In 2018, South Florida began the year with seven consecutive victories, but lost their remaining six games, becoming the first team in FBS history to do so.[2] This was achieved after a loss to Marshall in the Gasparilla Bowl.
Preseason[]
Coaching changes[]
In January 2019, South Florida hired Kerwin Bell as their new offensive coordinator, replacing Sterlin Gilbert, who left to take the head coaching job at McNeese State. Bell had spent the previous three seasons as the head coach at Valdosta State, where he led the school to an NCAA Division II national title in 2018.[3]
AAC media poll[]
The AAC media poll was released on July 16, 2019, with the Bulls predicted to finish third in the AAC East Division.[4]
Media poll (East)
Predicted finish
Team
Votes (1st place)
1
UCF
169 (19)
2
Cincinnati
157 (11)
3
USF
107
4
Temple
101
5
East Carolina
66
6
UConn
30
Pre-season award watch lists[]
Heading into the 2019 season, five Bulls were named to various award watch lists: Blake Barnett (Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award),[5] Coby Weiss (Lou Groza Award),[6] Marcus Norman (Outland Trophy),[7] Mike Hampton (Jim Thorpe Award),[8] and Mitchell Wilcox (John Mackey Award).[9]