One of the attributes that new Auburn head football coach Alex Golesh possesses is his ability to build or rebuild a program.

He proved that in his three years with South Florida. The Bulls were one of the worst programs in all of college football before he arrived. In the three years before Golesh took over the program, they won a total of four games.

In his three seasons from 2023-25, he won 23 games, and the team played three bowl games. During that time, he led the Bulls to some big wins as well. Here is a look at his top five wins with South Florida.

Here is a look at Alex Golesh’s top five wins as a head coach.

No. 5: 2023 Boca Raton Bowl versus Syracuse

After the program had struggled for years, a bowl appearance in the first year under Golesh was a tremendous accomplishment. For South Florida, winning the Boca Raton Bowl 45-0 over Syracuse made the season even more impressive. Golesh showed this was a different team early in the year when they played Alabama in a 17-3 defeat as well. Against Syracuse, South Florida jumped out to a 14-0 lead in the first quarter and led 31-0 at halftime. It was another stellar performance by Brown at quarterback with three touchdowns and 278 total yards. The defense played great as well, allowing just 159 yards and forcing four turnovers.

No. 4: 2025 win over North Texas

The North Texas Mean Green had a very good season in 2025. They are currently 11-2 and had an appearance in the American Conference Championship, losing to Tulane. The other loss for the Mean Green this season came against South Florida in a 63-36 win for the Bulls. Quarterback Byrum Brown had a big game with five total touchdowns and 327 yards. The two teams were tied at halftime with a 21-21 score before South Florida created distance in the second half. The Bulls took their first two possessions to go up 35-21. This was the first loss of the season for North Texas, and showed what South Florida could do against the top competition in the American Conference.

No. 3: Opening season win over Boise State

South Florida opened the 2025 season with a 34-7 win over No. 25 Boise State. The Broncos were coming into the season as Mountain West champions and had played in the College Football Playoff the year before. South Florida reminded Boise State what life without Ashton Jeanty looked like. From a statistical standpoint, the Broncos look like they should have won except for one important category. The Bulls forced three turnovers in the game and scored 34 unanswered points after Boise State opened with a 7-0 lead.

No. 2: Five overtime Hawai’i Bowl thriller

South Florida went to their second consecutive bowl game in 2024. They played a five-overtime game versus the San Jose State Spartans and won in five overtimes, 41-39. South Florida took a 21-10 lead into halftime before San Jose State mounted the comeback. South Florida gave up the lead early in the fourth quarter to trail 27-24. With two seconds left until overtime, kicker John Cannon kicked a 41-yard field goal to tie the game at 27. They were without Byrum Brown in the game, but found success with Bryce Archie at quarterback. He threw for 235 yards and connected with Keshaun Singleton for the game-winning points.

No. 1: Upset win in the Swamp

The best win for Golesh at South Florida occurred this season when they defeated No. 13 Florida Gators 18-16 in the swamp during the second week of the season. The Bulls had already gained national attention due to their 34-7 win over No. 25 Boise State the week prior. It was not a pretty game. Both teams combined for five field goals in the first half, with Florida holding a 9-6 advantage. The Bulls took the lead in the third quarter when Keshaun Singleton caught a 66-yard touchdown pass from Byrum Brown. After going up 15-9 after a safety, the Gators would take a 16-15 lead win Eugene Wilson caught a four-yard touchdown pass. South Florida was then helped by some Florida penalties and kicked a game-winning field goal by Nico Gramatica to win 18-16.

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This article originally appeared on Auburn Wire: Auburn football: Alex Golesh’s top five wins as a head coach