Kyle Nash/The Scouting Depot
The 11th StaffDNA Cure Bowl continues its tradition of football that is more than just a game. Hosting the Sun Belt Conference’s Old Dominion Monarchs (9-3) and the American Athletic Conference’s USF Bulls (9-3), this contest features two shining examples of parity in college football with a portion of proceeds going toward cancer research.
Both teams’ starting quarterbacks (Colton Joseph of Old Dominion and Byrum Brown of USF) aren’t playing in the game. Joseph and Byrum are not only the primary passers for their squad, but are their top rushers each having over 1,000 ground yards.
The Monarchs will be asking running back Trequan Jones to support quarterback Quinn Heincle on the ground. Jones has 732 yards carrying the ball this season, but averages a prolific 7.6 yards per carry. That’s the kind of presence that could set up a play action attack to wide receivers Tre Brown, Ja’Cory Thomas, and Na’eem Abdul-Rahim Gladding – a trio of wide receivers who each have at least 407 yards and 37 catches.
The Bulls have a stout defense that features two versatile linebackers who will make that a challenge. Mac Harris (100 tackles, 7.5 for loss) and Jhalyn Shuler (95 tackles, 5.5 for loss) are the team’s top tacklers. What makes this duo special is their acumen in passing defense. Harris is one of four defensive players (and the only linebacker) with two interceptions while Shuler leads the squad with seven passes defended. Not only will these Bulls be a factor in slowing Jones in ODU’s ground attack, but they could make it difficult for Heincle in the pass game as well.
Offensively, the Bulls’ charge may be more impacted with Brown’s absence. He finished 2025 completing 66.3% for 3,158 yards with 28 passing touchdowns and only seven interceptions. However, quarterback Gaston Moore is stepping in to try and to keep the offense balanced after a solid week in practice, in combination with running back Nykai Davenport (son of former Pittsburgh Steeler and Green Bay Packer, Najeh Davenport). Keeping football in his family, Davenport had a breakout season posting 603 yards on 91 carries and seven touchdowns for 6.6 yards per carry in 10 games.
However, USF’s defense isn’t the only one with versatile players on it. Old Dominion defensive back Jeremy Mack leads the squad with 10 tackles for a loss as well as in sacks with 4.5. The team’s leading tackler, Jerome Carter (72), also leads the team with four interceptions. This crew prides itself on it’s ability to get into the mix all over the field.
Both defenses will keep their opponents on their toes as both teams’ backup quarterbacks trying to lead their squad to a 10th victory on the season. An exciting backdrop for the 11th edition of the game with a cause – the Cure Bowl.
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