What Is 2004 South Florida Bulls football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2004 South Florida Bulls football team does not exist; the University of South Florida (USF) fields the South Florida Bulls nickname, but their official team name is the Bulls. USF began its FBS football program in 1997 and played in Conference USA in 2003 before joining the Big East in 2005.

Key Facts

USF began varsity football in 1997 with a Division I-AA (FCS) team.
The 2004 South Florida Bulls competed as an independent before joining the Big East in 2005.
In 2004, USF finished with a 7-5 record under head coach Jim Leavitt.
The 2004 team played home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
USF's 2004 season included a win over No. 5 West Virginia, their first victory over a top-five team.

Overview

The University of South Florida (USF) fields a collegiate football team known as the South Florida Bulls, commonly referred to as the USF Bulls. Despite the informal nickname, the official team name is the Bulls, representing USF in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) competition.

Founded in 1997, the program rapidly advanced from Division I-AA (now FCS) to FBS by 2001. By 2004, the Bulls were competing as an independent team, preparing for their 2005 move to the Big East Conference, marking a significant step in program legitimacy.

Program launch: The USF Bulls began varsity football in 1997 under head coach Jim Leavitt, starting at the NCAA Division I-AA level before moving up.
2004 season record: The team finished 7–5 in 2004, showing marked improvement from their 5–6 record in 2003.
Notable win: On October 2, 2004, USF defeated No. 5 West Virginia 24–21, marking the first top-five win in program history.
Home stadium: The 2004 Bulls played home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, which also hosts the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Conference status: In 2004, USF competed as an independent, having left Conference USA after 2003 and before joining the Big East in 2005.

How It Works

The structure of college football programs like USF's involves recruiting, scheduling, conference affiliation, and NCAA compliance. The 2004 season was pivotal as the Bulls transitioned toward major-conference status.

Recruiting: USF focused on local Tampa talent and mid-tier national recruits, building depth ahead of Big East competition starting in 2005.
Coaching leadership: Head coach Jim Leavitt, hired in 1996, was instrumental in launching and developing the program through its early years.
Game scheduling: As an independent, USF had to self-arrange its 12-game schedule, including matchups against ranked teams like West Virginia and Louisville.
Player development: The 2004 team featured quarterback Matt Grothe, who would later become a multi-year starter, though he was redshirting this season.
Facilities: USF used Raymond James Stadium for home games, providing NFL-level exposure despite lacking on-campus college facilities at the time.
Media exposure: The win over West Virginia earned USF its first national ranking, reaching No. 22 in the AP Poll in October 2004.

Comparison at a Glance

Comparing the 2004 South Florida Bulls to peer programs highlights their rapid rise and unique trajectory among emerging FBS teams.

Team	2004 Record	Conference	Notable Achievement	Head Coach
South Florida Bulls	7–5	Independent	First win over a top-five team	Jim Leavitt
Boise State	12–1	WAC	Won the Liberty Bowl	Chris Petersen
Central Florida	7–4	Independent	Preparing for Conference USA entry in 2005	George O’Leary
Houston	7–5	Conference USA	Won the Houston Bowl	Art Briles
East Carolina	5–6	C-USA	Missed bowl eligibility by one game	Steve Logan

The 2004 season placed USF among rising mid-major programs. While not bowl-eligible due to NCAA transition rules, their 7–5 record and win over a top-five team signaled growing competitiveness. Unlike peers such as UCF and Houston, USF was not yet bowl-eligible, but their independent status allowed high-profile scheduling.

Why It Matters

The 2004 season was a turning point for USF football, establishing credibility ahead of major-conference membership. It demonstrated that new programs could compete with elite teams through strategic scheduling and coaching.

Program legitimacy: Beating No. 5 West Virginia gave USF national recognition and proved they could compete at a high level.
Conference transition: The 2004 season served as a bridge to the Big East in 2005, enhancing recruiting and media opportunities.
Recruiting boost: Success in 2004 helped USF attract higher-rated recruits, including future stars like C.J. Bennett and Jason Pierre-Paul.
Media coverage: The win over West Virginia was broadcast nationally, increasing exposure for the university and athletic department.
Foundation for success: The 2004 team laid the groundwork for USF’s first Top 25 finish in 2007, when they reached No. 2 in the AP Poll.
Regional impact: USF’s rise helped grow college football interest in Tampa Bay, a market dominated by NFL fandom.

The 2004 South Florida Bulls season, though not culminating in a bowl game, was a critical milestone in building a competitive FBS program. Their achievements that year signaled USF’s arrival on the national stage.