In a significant move within college football, Brian Hartline has announced his departure from Ohio State University to take the head coaching position at the University of South Florida (USF). This decision follows South Florida’s upcoming matchup against Old Dominion in the Cure Bowl, scheduled for December 17, 2023.
Impact of Byrum Brown and Colton Joseph’s Absence
USF and Old Dominion, both finishing the season with impressive 9-3 records, will miss their starting quarterbacks, Byrum Brown and Colton Joseph. The absence of both athletes changes the outlook of the Cure Bowl matchup substantially.
- Byrum Brown, a seasoned player for USF, will not compete and instead take on a coaching role.
- Colton Joseph of Old Dominion has announced his entry into the transfer portal, effective January 2.
Reasons for Their Decisions
According to USF CEO Rob Higgins, the decision for Brown to sit out was mutual and in the best interest of both parties. Following coaching changes—including the exit of former coach Alex Golesh to Auburn—Brown is exploring his future options. Despite not playing, he will continue to attend practices and support his teammates from the sidelines.
Joseph’s decision to enter the transfer portal was made public shortly before the Cure Bowl. As one of the earlier quarterbacks announcing his intentions, he ranks as the sixth-best quarterback in portal intentions based on 247Sports. He retains two years of eligibility.
Year-by-Year Stats for Byrum Brown and Colton Joseph
Byrum Brown
| Year | Pass Attempts (Comp/Att) | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 36 of 50 | 404 | 5 | 1 | 179 | 3 |
| 2023 | 276 of 426 | 3,292 | 26 | 11 | 809 | 11 |
| 2024 | 78 of 132 | 836 | 2 | 0 | 269 | 3 |
| 2025 | 226 of 341 | 3,158 | 28 | 7 | 1,008 | 14 |
Colton Joseph
| Year | Pass Attempts (Comp/Att) | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Rushing Yards | Rushing Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 133 of 222 | 1,627 | 11 | 5 | 647 | 11 |
| 2025 | 173 of 290 | 2,624 | 21 | 10 | 1,007 | 13 |
The upcoming Cure Bowl will proceed without two key players who have made significant impacts for their teams. Fans will now have to rely on previous highlights while looking forward to future developments regarding these quarterbacks.
