The Old Dominion vs. USF faceoff in the 2025 Cure Bowl is set for today. Both programs finished the regular season at 9-3, with the Monarchs ranked No. 57 and the Bulls No. 45 in the PFSN College Football Playoff Meter.
This will mark the first Cure Bowl meeting between Old Dominion and USF However, both sides will be shorthanded, as several key players will be unavailable due to opt-outs, transfer portal moves, or injuries.
Top Monarchs Players Not Playing in Old Dominion vs. USF
- Colton Joseph, QB (transfer portal)
- Maurki James, RB (injury)
- Titus Myers, WR (injury)
The biggest loss for the Monarchs is quarterback Colton Joseph, who will not suit up for the Cure Bowl against USF. With two seasons of eligibility left, he was one of the earliest quarterbacks to declare his plan to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2.
Joseph totaled 2,624 passing yards with 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions, while also rushing for 1,007 yards and 13 scores this season. In his place, freshman Quinn Henicle is expected to lead Old Dominion’s offense.
Top Bulls Players Not Playing in Old Dominion vs. USF
- Byrum Brown, QB (Opted out)
- Christian Neptune, WR (injury)
- Kajuan Banks, CB (not participating)
- Kory Pettigrew, WR (injury)
- Brandon Winton, WR (injury)
- Jaden Alexis, WR (injury)
- Chas Nimrod, WR (injury)
- Cartevious Norton, RB (injury)
- Weston Wolff, TE (injury)
USF CEO Rob Higgins revealed that he and newly hired head coach Brian Hartline agreed it was in the team’s best interest for Byrum Brown to sit out the Cure Bowl.
“In the spirit of transparency and based off the recent coaching transition here, we mutually determined with Byrum that it’s best for him to not play in next week’s Cure Bowl,” Higgins said in a statement. “This quick determination means that Gaston Moore is able to fully prepare and make the well-deserved start in his final collegiate game.
“Byrum has been incredible in supporting his teammates as he always is. So much so that we’ve asked Byrum to serve as a coach in the Cure Bowl to help us get our tenth win, which we’re excited to share he’s graciously agreed to do! We can’t wait to finish this season strong and together, while also supporting (Coach) Byrum Brown and his family! Go Bulls.”
Brown threw for 3,158 yards, 28 touchdowns, and seven interceptions this past season. In his absence, USF will turn to Gaston Moore to lead the offense in his first career start.
