USF football lands commitment from three-star RB with several power conference offers

Alex Golesh and the South Florida Bulls have landed a major commitment for their 2025 recruiting class. Holly Springs (Miss.) High running back Tray Kinkle has announced his pledge to continue his career as a student-athlete at USF.

Kinkle added an offer from USF Aug. 5 and quickly became a major target for the Bulls. The staff recruited him hard and got him on campus last weekend for an official visit, which coincided with USF’s bye week. Coming out of the weekend, Kinkle privately committed to the staff and announced his decision publicly Nov. 1.

“I chose USF because of the coaches,” Kinke told On3 before tweeting out his decision. “I respect them greatly. This is where I want to play because I believe they’ll help me become one of the best rushers in college football.”

Kinkle, who ranks as the No. 908 overall player and No. 70 running back nationally according to the 2025 On3 Industry Ranking, loved his first visit at USF.

“What stood out was the big city; Tampa is a really big city coming from my small home town,” Kinkle said. “The experience was great. The coaching staff was very important — to make sure the coaches are for me — Coach [Micah] James, and Coach Koom (Kumehnnu Gwilly) for sure.”

Kinkle held a handful of power conference scholarship offers before committing to USF. The likes of Ole Miss, Florida, Auburn, Florida State, UCF and N.C. State were after him.

“My game is speed,” he said. “Field vision is another one of my best strengths. I believe I will bring touchdown speed to the team as a running back.”

On3 ranks him a bit higher than the industry average, listing him as the No. 59 running back in the land. He’s the No. 20 player from his home state of Mississippi.

Kinkle’s senior season has been incredible. In nine games, he’s ran 133 times for 1,325 yards with 13 touchdowns. He’s added a pair of scores and 202 yards receiving as well.

The 5-10.5, 185-pounder becomes USF’s second running back commit of the class, joining Argyle (Texas) Liberty Christian’s Chase Garnett, who tweeted Oct. 11 that he is reopening his recruiting process while remaining a Bulls’ commit.

USF now has No. 24 commitments in the 2025 class, a group that ranks No. 1 in the American Athletic Conference.