In a fitting end to a breakthrough season, the Old Dominion Monarchs defeated the South Florida Bulls 24–10 on December 17, 2025, in the eleventh edition of the Cure Bowl. The game, held at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, marked the culmination of Old Dominion’s most successful campaign in school history and showcased the team’s growth into a formidable presence within the Sun Belt Conference and on the national college football stage.
The Cure Bowl, part of the 2025–26 college football postseason lineup, provided a national platform for two rising programs. With the game televised on ESPN and played in front of an energized crowd, Old Dominion seized the opportunity to make a statement. The Monarchs’ 24–10 victory was built on a foundation of balanced offensive execution, relentless defense, and key individual performances that underscored the team’s depth and preparation.
Leading the charge was quarterback Quinn Henicle, who stepped into the starting role with composure and command. With regular starter Colton Joseph unavailable, Henicle delivered a dual-threat performance that gave South Florida’s defense trouble throughout the contest. He rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns on the ground, including a game-sealing run in the fourth quarter that punctuated his MVP-worthy effort. In addition to his mobility, Henicle kept the passing game efficient, allowing the Monarchs to control the tempo and capitalize on defensive stops.
Old Dominion’s offense found early success moving the ball, scoring in the first half to take a lead that they would never relinquish. Although South Florida responded with a touchdown to tie the game at halftime, the second half belonged entirely to the Monarchs. The Old Dominion defense shut down South Florida’s offensive rhythm, intercepting multiple passes and holding the Bulls scoreless after the break. It was a testament to both the game plan devised by the coaching staff and the execution by a defense that had grown stronger over the course of the season.
Linebacker Jeremy Mack Jr. and safety Jerome Carter were instrumental in the defensive effort. Mack was a constant presence near the ball, recording several key tackles and pressuring South Florida’s quarterback. Carter, meanwhile, came away with multiple interceptions, adding to his season total and setting a new school record in the process. Their performances not only halted South Florida drives but swung momentum firmly in Old Dominion’s favor.
South Florida, making its first-ever appearance in the Cure Bowl, came into the game with a 9–3 record and a high-powered offense that had turned heads throughout the American Athletic Conference. However, the team was without starting quarterback Byrum Brown, who opted out of the bowl game in preparation for the NFL Draft. His absence left the Bulls turning to a less experienced signal caller, which limited their ability to match Old Dominion’s pace and adaptability.
Despite their struggles, South Florida remained competitive early and showed flashes of the offensive identity that carried them through the regular season. Ultimately, though, the Bulls couldn’t overcome turnovers and Old Dominion’s ability to win the battle in the trenches. The Monarchs’ dominance in time of possession and their superior field position throughout the game further widened the gap as the second half wore on.
For Old Dominion, the win marked their second bowl game victory in program history and capped a 10–3 season—the best in school annals. Head coach Ricky Rahne, in his sixth year with the team, has overseen a steady rise in competitiveness and stature for the Monarchs, culminating in this season’s success. The Cure Bowl triumph stands not just as a reward for the 2025 squad, but as a symbol of the program’s broader transformation into a respected and legitimate force in FBS football.
The Cure Bowl itself continues to hold special significance in the bowl season calendar. Beyond the competition, the event supports cancer research and awareness, aligning athletic achievement with a charitable mission. Each year, the game brings national attention to its cause while offering fans compelling matchups between top teams from the Group of Five conferences.
As the Monarchs celebrate their milestone win, the future appears bright for a team that has turned potential into performance. With strong recruiting, player development, and a winning culture now firmly in place, Old Dominion’s 2025 season—and its Cure Bowl victory—may well be remembered as the start of a new era for the program.
