Welcome to our series chronicling the 2026 USF Recruiting Class where we cover every single recruit who signed with the Bulls during Early Signing Day! Let’s welcome RB Jayson Franklin to the Bulls!
RB Jayson Franklin (Seventy-First – Fayetteville, NC)
Committed to the Bulls on July 4th, 2025, Franklin was the only RB committed to 2026 recruiting class and is currently enrolled at USF after joining the program in January. Via On3/Rivals.com, Franklin received offers from Ole Miss, Georgia State, Buffalo and UConn during his recruitment.
Fayetteville 👉 Tampa Bay
Welcome to the Bay, @Jayson3Franklin! pic.twitter.com/I1Y6EHkTbF
— USF Football (@USFFootball) December 3, 2025
Run the Tape:
Yards after contact monster who uses upper and lower body strength to have defenders bounce off of him. Runs with a sense of purpose and will not be an easy back to stop at the goal-line/short-yardage situations. Possesses a good extra gear at the second level to separate from defenders on breakaway runs. Slasher-style running back who will cut through defenses at the first and second levels. Great balance as a runner who can pinball against defenders and stay upright as a ball carrier.
Mike’s Take:
New offense, new offensive coordinator, there is no telling how this backfield will be utilized in 2026. However, Franklin has the ability to be “the” guy in the backfield with his skillset. He’s an every-down back who flashed the ability as a receiver on film and not often do you see guys with the complete package coming out of high school. The next challenge for Franklin is competing for playing time early on in his Bulls career with an experienced backfield in place for 2026.
Welcome to the Bulls Jayson!
by Mike Cusimano
Journalist & Recruiting Analyst, SoFloBulls.com | Twitter: @micCusi