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With Fall camp opening up this week, one of the biggest battles on this team will be who will be under center for the USF Bulls when the season kicks off September 5th against FIU.
Before we start thinking about conference championships, bowl games, or playoff hopes, Brian Hartline and his coaching staff have to decide who will be USF’s starting quarterback.
Replacing Byrum Brown was never going to be easy. Brown electrified fans with his dual-threat ability and helped elevate the program nationally, but he transferred to Auburn after last season.
Now, a new era begins.
Hartline inherited a talented quarterback room, but one without an established starter.
Michael Van Buren and Luke Kromenhoek will battle during these next few weeks to see who will lead the offense in the season opener.
While several players will have an opportunity to compete over the next few weeks, one quarterback appears to have entered camp with a slight advantage.
Michael Van Buren Jr.
That doesn’t mean the job is his, but if the season started today, he’d probably be the favorite.
Here is what you need to know about Michael Van Buren Jr.
Height/Weight: 6-1, approximately 200 pounds
Previous School: Mississippi State
Strengths
Game Experience
This is Van Buren’s biggest advantage. He’s played meaningful snaps in the SEC against some of the nation’s best defenses and has experienced hostile road environments, pressure situations, and the speed of elite college football.
Quick Decision-Maker
Van Buren processes defenses well and can get the ball out on time. He’s comfortable reading coverages and doesn’t hold onto the football longer than necessary.
Accuracy
His biggest strength may be his ball placement on short and intermediate throws. He consistently gives receivers opportunities to gain yards after the catch.
Mobility
He’s athletic enough to extend plays and pick up first downs with his legs but isn’t a quarterback who relies on running to be successful.
Leadership
Reports from spring practice indicated teammates responded well to his confidence and command in the huddle.
Areas of Opportunity
Deep Ball Consistency
While he has plenty of arm strength, his deep-ball accuracy can fluctuate.
Pocket Presence
At times he’ll leave clean pockets too early instead of trusting his offensive line.
Taking Chances
Occasionally he’ll force throws into tight coverage instead of accepting a check-down.
NFL Comparison
A stylistic comparison would be Bo Nix—accurate, athletic enough to move the chains, efficient, and comfortable operating within structure.
Fit in Brian Hartline’s Offense
Excellent. Hartline’s offense emphasizes rhythm passing, making quick reads, and distributing the football. Van Buren already appears well-suited for that system.
Don’t Count Out Luke Kromenhoek
Height/Weight: 6-4, approximately 215 pounds
Previous School: Florida State
Strengths
Elite Arm Talent
Kromenhoek has the strongest arm in the quarterback room. He can make every throw on the field, including deep outs and vertical routes that few quarterbacks attempt.
Prototype Size
At 6-foot-4, he looks every bit the modern NFL quarterback. He sees over the offensive line well and can throw comfortably from the pocket.
Athletic Ability
While not considered a true dual-threat quarterback, he’s athletic enough to escape pressure and create explosive plays.
Areas to Improve
Consistency
This is the biggest question. He has to string together great practices rather than alternating between spectacular throws and avoidable mistakes.
Decision Making
Young quarterbacks often trust their arms too much. Learning when not to throw can be just as important.
Touch
Improving touch passes will help him become more complete as a passer.
NFL Comparison
His physical traits resemble Will Levis coming out of Kentucky—big arm, excellent size, high upside, but still developing consistency and decision-making.
Fit in Brian Hartline’s Offense
Very good. Hartline has coached several quarterbacks with similar physical tools. If Kromenhoek develops within the system, his ceiling is extremely high.
The former Florida State quarterback possesses a powerful arm and the kind of physical tools coaches dream about developing.
Now comes the difficult part.
Being Consistent
The flashes have always been there. The challenge is putting together a good day after good day while limiting the mistakes and showing command of the offense.
If Kromenhoek does that during camp, this competition could remain unsettled right up until the season opener.
Hartline Isn’t Looking for Highlight-Reel Throws
One thing Brian Hartline made clear during his first spring as USF’s head coach is that he values efficiency as much as explosiveness.
When he spoke at AAC Media Days, Hartline repeatedly returned to the importance of relationships, preparation and doing the little things right.
That same philosophy applies to his quarterbacks.
He’s not searching for someone who throws the prettiest deep ball. He’s looking for someone who will make the right decision.
Protect the football. Move the chains. Get the offense into the correct play.
Those qualities often win football games long before the spectacular ones do.
Every Practice Counts
Unlike some quarterback battles that are decided after spring practice, this one feels like it could stretch through most of August.
Hartline and offensive coordinator Tim Beck will want to see how each quarterback responds during scrimmages, two-minute drills, red-zone situations and third-and-long opportunities.
Those are the moments where coaches learn who they can trust.
Leadership also matters.
The starting quarterback isn’t just expected to complete passes. He’s also expected to command the huddle, respond after mistakes and earn the confidence of an entirely new football team.
The Early Edge
So who has the edge entering fall camp? Right now, it’s Michael Van Buren. Not because he’s dramatically better than everyone else. Not because the competition is over. Simply because he’s the most experienced quarterback in the room,
He’s had a full spring to learn the system and, at this point, appears to be the most polished option.
Quarterback battles can change quickly. One outstanding scrimmage, or one poor week of practice, can completely alter the conversation.
That’s why this remains the storyline to watch as camp opens.
By the end of August, USF will have its answer.
For now, Van Buren may have a slight lead, but the race is still very much alive.
