SIOUX FALLS — After three years operating their offense behind dual-threat quarterback Camden Dean, the USF Cougars will be turning to a new signal-caller in 2026.
Will it be sophomore Tate Schafer, the decorated former Lincoln Patriots star, or Bennett Brueck, a junior from Indianola, Iowa?
As the Cougars work their way through spring practice, that’s probably the primary question for Coach Jim Glogowski and offensive coordinator Lucas Lueders to answer.
USF’s Tate Schafer throws a pass at practice on March 31, 2026 at Bob Young Field.
Matt Zimmer/SFL
Dean will be difficult to replace; he was an All-NSIC performer and at times the Cougars’ leading rusher in addition to a strong passer.
When Dean went down with a season-ending injury late last year, Brueck got the first crack at replacing him, having narrowly edged Schafer for the QB2 role in training camp. But Brueck himself was immediately injured, opening the door for Schafer, who stepped in and lit it up. Schafer completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 1,478 yards and 13 touchdowns while also rushing for four scores. Brueck was 4-of-7 for 86 yards and two touchdown passes in limited duty before getting hurt.
USF quarterback Bennett Brueck throws a pass at practice on March 31, 2026 at Bob Young Field.
Matt Zimmer/SFL
Another pair of sophomores, Gavin Stahl and Gaven Dean (Camden’s brother) round out the quarterback room, while Jamin Metzger, a 6-4 incoming freshman from Hills-Beaver Creek in nearby Minnesota, will join in the summer.
The Cougars have holes to fill on the offensive line and the receiver room, but top target Hank Brown is back, as are leading rushers Bubba Tann and Christian Nash.
The USF offensive line goes through a pass blocking drill at practice on March 31, 2026 at Bob Young Field.
Matt Zimmer/SFL
USF went 7-4 last year, their second straight winning season since going 3-8 in Glogowski’s debut season. The Cougars will have an intrasquad scrimmage to wrap up spring practice on April 18
Matt Zimmer is a Sioux Falls native and longtime sports writer. He graduated from Washington High School where he played football, legion baseball and developed his lifelong love of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings. After graduating from St. Cloud State University, he returned to Sioux Falls, and began a long career in amateur baseball and sports reporting. Email Matt at mzimmer@siouxfallslive.com.