Former Tennessee football quarterback Gaston Moore is going to be the starter for USF in its bowl game against ODU in the StaffDNA Cure Bowl. Kickoff is scheduled for Dec. 17 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., at 5 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Moore has spent the season as the backup for star USF quarterback Byrum Brown. However, Brown has opted out of the bowl game, but will still be there with the team in a coaching role.
This was revealed by USF Athletic Director Rob Higgins on Wednesday night. He noted former head coach Alex Golesh departing for the head coaching job at Auburn and the hiring of Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline as the reason for Brown sitting out.
“Bulls Nation, we wanted to share that Coach Hartline and I continue to have great conversations with Byrum Brown and his family about his future at USF,” Higgins said in a statement. “In the spirit of transparency and based off the recent coaching transition here, we mutually determined with Byrum that it’s best for him to not play in next week’s Cure Bowl. This quick determination means that Gaston Moore is able to fully prepare and make the well-deserved start in his final collegiate game.
“Byrum continues to attend every team activity/practice and has been incredible in supporting his teammates as he always is. So much so, that we’ve asked Byrum to serve as a coach in the Cure Bowl to help us get our tenth win, which we’re excited to share he’s graciously agreed to do! We can’t wait to finish this season strong and together, while also supporting (Coach) Byrum Brown and his family! Go Bulls!”
Bulls Nation, we wanted to share that Coach Hartline and I continue to have great conversations with Byrum Brown and his family about his future at USF. In the spirit of transparency and based off the recent coaching transition here, we mutually determined with Byrum that it’s…
— Rob Higgins (@RHiggins_USF) December 10, 2025
More From RTI: Alabama Coach Kalen DeBoer Tagged As Potential Candidate For Michigan Opening
Moore joined USF in the spring window after entering the transfer portal following his four years at Tennessee. He did not join a team in the initial window, but his former offensive coordinator at UT and UCF, Golesh, added him before the season began. He would complete 14-of-20 passes for 54 yards and a touchdown on the season.
The quarterback spent a quartet of seasons at Tennessee as a backup. He was the second-string option in 2024 and had to enter for the entire second half in the win over Mississippi State and briefly in the win over Alabama in place of Nico Iamaleava. In that season, he completed 16-of-27 passes for 201 yards, two touchdowns and two picks.
Moore started his career at UCF under Josh Heupel and Golesh, and transferred with them to Tennessee after not seeing action with the Knights. He is from Hilton Head, South Carolina.
