TAMPA BAY — Imagine settling in for your favorite college football game, the pregame buzz, the kickoff roar, only this time, the familiar voice is coming through Q105, a station that’s been part of your daily soundtrack far before sports ever played over its airwaves.
That shift is no accident. The University of South Florida Athletic Department just inked a radio partnership with Beasley Media Group, making Q105 WRBQ the new flagship voice for Bulls football. What’s more, come 2026, Spanish-language broadcasts will go live via Playa 106.9, enlarging the stage so every fan feels seen and heard. USF Athletics News. radio-online.comTampa Bay Times
More Than Just Game Coverage
This isn’t about games alone. It’s about identity, reach, and belonging.
“You’re not just listening to football,” said USF’s interim athletics vice president, Jay Stroman. It’s about “deepening our connection with Bulls fans,” and for those who’ve grown up alongside both the team and Q105’s classic hits, that hits emotionally deep. USF Athletics
Beasley’s Ron deCastro put it simply:
“This is about connecting with fans, celebrating school pride, and expanding USF’s reach… including through the historic launch of Spanish-language broadcasts.” USF Athletics
This is a strategy with heart. It’s not just marketing, it’s meeting fans where they are, in a language they understand.
The Voices Behind the Mic
The magic isn’t just in the station’s signal; it’s in the storytellers behind it.
- Jim Louk, affectionately known as the “Voice of the Bulls,” returns for his 29th season.
- He’ll be joined by former Bull and Green Bay Packers linebacker Sam Barrington, senior writer Joey Johnston on the sidelines, and engineer Brett Holcomb keeping feeds crisp.
- On the hardwood, Men’s basketball carries on with Jim Lighthall and Johnston, while Darek Sharp takes the mic for women’s basketball and will co-host the BullsEye: The USF Coaches Show, a fan-favorite featuring insider conversations with coach Alex Golesh. USF Athletics
These familiar voices anchor tradition in a sea of change, a comforting constant for fans tuning in.
A Legacy of Innovation
USF is no stranger to media-forward moves.
- Back in 2017, they became one of the first universities to launch their own 24/7 digital radio station, Bulls Unlimited, streaming live games to global fans. Wikipedia
- Now, by folding a powerful FM partner and Spanish-language reach into the mix, they’re weaving together old-school radio charm with modern inclusivity.
Why This Partnership Matters
- Cultural Access
Tampa Bay is rich with diversity. Spanish broadcasts via Playa 106.9 open the Bulls’ playbook to entire households previously sidelined by language barriers. - Expanded Reach
Q105 has a legacy signal, heard from St. Pete beaches to the Hillsborough horizon. Now every chant, every touchdown may echo through more homes and cars than ever before. - Community Touchpoints
It’s not just about games, it’s about instilling pride. Hearing the Bulls come alive on a trusted station invites listeners into something bigger than sport; it’s a shared identity.
From Student DJ to Mainstream Waves
This move also beautifully contrasts with USF’s early media roots. The student-run station, once confined to campus AM frequencies, was a front-row seat for Bulls fans with skinny headphones and even skinnier budgets. Wikipedia
Now, their voices have a platform worthy of their ambition, a mainstream audience ready to tune into campus stories and game-day narratives.
Looking Ahead: A Voice for the Future
As USF builds its on-campus stadium for 2027 and expands into new women’s sports, the partnership with Beasley lays the foundation for storytelling that’s local, diverse, and human.
Imagine pregame shows exploding not just with stats but with alumni memories, grassroots voices, and young fans calling in. Picture a world where every touchdown is cheered aloud in two languages, where every win echoes in every corner of the Bay.
Wrapping It Up: A Communication Breakthrough
Sometimes, what feels like a simple broadcast deal is something more: it’s a bridge. A recognition that sports aren’t just watched, they’re experienced collectively.
USF’s deal with Beasley isn’t just about football games; it’s about amplifying history, lifting culture, and building a media tradition that future fans will tune into with pride.
