USF NEWS REPORT
PORTER DECLINED SEVERAL INTERVIEWS “SO MUCH MORE TO DO HERE”
USF head coach DJ Porter ended any speculation about his future on Monday morning, confirming that he has declined interview requests from multiple major programs, including Notre Dame and Syracuse, choosing instead to remain in Tampa and continue building what he calls “the most meaningful work of my career.”
In a brief but emphatic statement, Porter shut down the notion that he might entertain overtures elsewhere after USF’s breakout season.
“I can’t imagine being one-and-done here,” Porter said. “Not after what we’ve accomplished, and especially not after what I know we’re still capable of accomplishing. This program isn’t finished, far from it. We’re just getting started.”
Porter’s loyalty comes at a time when his coaching stock has skyrocketed. National outlets have labeled him one of college football’s rising stars, and with several high-profile vacancies opening across the country, it was only natural his name would surface. But Porter didn’t let the rumor mill simmer for long. He made it clear that Tampa is where he wants to be, and that his belief in the Bulls’ upward trajectory is stronger than ever.
And it’s hard to argue with the results.
USF’s season was, by every measure, transformational. The Bulls surged through their schedule with a confidence and physicality the program hasn’t consistently displayed in years. Porter’s offense blended explosiveness with discipline, producing standout performances from young and veteran players alike. Tyler Williams emerged as one of the most dominant receivers in the country, Locklan Hewlett shattered expectations as a first-year starter, and George Shembo provided steady production out of the backfield. Defensively, Cedrick Hawkins and Ira Singleton anchored a group that forced turnovers, disrupted pockets, and delivered timely stops throughout the year.
USF played with identity, fast, fearless, aggressive, and with purpose, often outworking more established opponents. The season’s biggest wins fueled belief in the locker room, but it was the consistency week after week that signaled something deeper: a culture taking root.
When the dust settled they ended up with a school record 12 wins. Tyler Williams set school and conference records. The team led the American Conference in total points, they were third in points per game and second in total yards. They led the conference in yards per play and first downs. At 6.7 yards per play they trailed only Oklahoma for best in the nation. Their first downs per game numbers were fourth in the nation.
Porter stressed discipline and it showed on the field as the Bulls had the least penalties in the entire nation at just 23, less than half of the next closest program.
Porter emphasized that continuity is essential to sustaining that culture.
“We’ve laid a foundation here,” he said. “These players trust each other, they trust the staff, and they trust the direction we’re heading. Leaving now would go against everything we’ve talked about building.”
His return ensures stability at a moment when the program is poised for another leap. Recruiting momentum has never been stronger, and several underclassmen blossomed into legitimate stars this season. The Bulls finished the year playing their best football, showing a level of growth that suggests the next step isn’t just possible, it’s within reach.
With Porter turning down two of the sport’s most recognizable brands, the message is unmistakable: USF is no longer a stepping stone. It’s a destination.
And under DJ Porter, it’s becoming a place where expectations aren’t feared, they’re embraced.
Defensive coordinator Tony White also confirmed he will return to USF next season, a decision that resonates just as strongly inside the program.
White took over a defensive roster that, by his own admission, didn’t perfectly match his 3-3-5 principles with a mix of personnel types, body profiles, and experience levels that weren’t ideal fits for his system. The growing pains showed early, with communication lapses and assignment issues surfacing as players adjusted to an entirely new philosophy.
But White never wavered. He coached, taught, and adapted, molding the group week by week until the unit transformed into the most dominant defense in the conference. By season’s end, USF led the league in defensive points per game, total yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, and sacks, a testament to White’s ability not only to install a scheme but to elevate the individuals operating within it.
“These kids bought in,” White said. “They let us coach them hard, they trusted each other, and they finished the season playing the best football of their lives.”
His return, like Porter’s, reinforces the sense of stability and shared belief powering USF’s rise.
In a time when coaching staffs are constantly in flux USF, and Porter, have managed to retain their entire coaching staff from last season. That continuity should pay dividends in the fall.
"I've been with a lot of programs." Jack Cosgrove said. "The way they run things here right from the top to the bottom makes it difficult to consider going anywhere else."
