In one of the most shocking results of Week 2, No. 13 Florida was upset by South Florida, 18-16, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Gators, who entered the year with high expectations, were a double-digit favorite going into the contest, but Billy Napier's squad was stunned.
Florida faces one of the toughest schedules in college football — at No. 3 LSU, at No. 5 Miami, vs. No. 7 Texas and at No. 19 Texas A&M the next four weeks — but this was not a game it was expected to lose. In fact, the Gators paid the Bulls a hefty sum to come into the Swamp.
Now, not only did Florida have to pay USF, but it also sits at 1-1 with a stunning loss that changes the season outlook. The Bulls improve to 2-0, with ranked wins over No. 25 Boise State and the Gators. Before that, they had dropped 18 straight against ranked opponents.
For the short ride back to Tampa, USF will celebrate with a little extra money in its pockets. Here’s how much the Bulls were paid for today’s upset:
How much did Florida pay to play USF?
According to the Gainesville Sun, USF received $500,000 to play Florida on Saturday, ending a two-for-one scheduling deal that began in 2021.
Florida paid USF a total of $750,000 for two games at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in 2022 and 2025, and received $250,000 to play a road game at Raymond James Stadium in 2023. The Gators won the previous contests, 42-20 in 2022 and 31-28 in 2023.
The Gators opened their season against Long Island University (LIU), who they paid $250,000.
Where is USF located?
The University of South Florida, located in Tampa, is less than a two-hour drive from Gainesville. With more than 49,000 students, it is the fourth-largest university in Florida by enrollment.
Founded in 1956, the public research institution also operates regional campuses in St. Petersburg and Sarasota.
USF 2025 schedule
The Bulls have opened up the 2025 season with two ranked wins, and they face another one in No. 5 Miami in Week 3. But, after that, they don't face another team currently ranked in the AP Top 25.
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| 9/13 | at No. 5 Miami | 4:30 p.m. ET |
| 9/20 | vs South Carolina State | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| 10/3 | vs Charlotte | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| 10/10 | at North Texas | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| 10/18 | vs Florida Atlantic | TBD |
| 10/25 | at Memphis | TBD |
| 11/6 | vs UTSA | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| 11/15 | at Navy | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| 11/22 | at UAB | TBD |
| 11/29 | vs Rice | TBD |
Florida 2025 schedule
The Gators face a tough road ahead, with their next four games against ranked opponents. Florida is in a loaded SEC, and eight of its remaining 10 opponents are currently ranked in the AP Top 25.
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| 9/13 | at No. 3 LSU | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| 9/20 | at No. 5 Miami | TBD |
| 10/4 | vs No. 7 Texas | TBD |
| 10/11 | at No. 19 Texas A&M | TBD |
| 10/18 | vs Mississipi State | TBD |
| 11/1 | vs No. 4 Georgia* | 3:30 p.m. ET |
| 11/8 | at Kentucky | TBD |
| 11/15 | at No. 20 Ole Miss | TBD |
| 11/22 | vs No. 22 Tennessee | TBD |
| 11/29 | vs No. 14 Florida State |
*the game will be played at a neutral site