We are on the eve of what is being called the biggest North Texas football game in history. The undefeated Mean Green are set to host a ranked conference foe in South Florida on Friday night under the lights at DATCU Stadium — in front of a sold-out crowd.

For UNT fans, this moment was once just a dream. The opportunity to host a team ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 has been a rarity for the Mean Green program, happening only four times before. North Texas holds a 2-2 record in those contests and will look to tilt that mark in their favor against the No. 24 South Florida Bulls. A win on Friday could unlock what’s shaping up to be a potentially magical season in Denton.

South Florida enters the matchup firing on all cylinders. The Bulls opened their season with a dominant win over a ranked Boise State team and followed that with an impressive victory over SEC member Florida in Gainesville. Their lone setback came at the hands of a top-five Miami squad. Dual-threat quarterback Tyler Brown has been the engine behind South Florida’s explosive offense, accounting for 13 total touchdowns so far this season while also leading the team in rushing.

Coach Skyler Cassity’s new-look North Texas defense will face its toughest challenge yet, trying to slow down a Bulls attack that has scored more than 54 points in each of its last two games.

For North Texas, keeping pace offensively will be crucial — and the Mean Green have the firepower to do it. Freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker has been one of the most efficient young signal callers in the country, leading an offense that’s both dynamic and balanced. The two-headed backfield tandem of freshman Caleb Hawkins and sophomore Mckenzie McGill has provided a steady ground presence, allowing Eric Morris’ Air Raid system to evolve into its most complete form yet.

A big reason for the offensive success lies in the trenches. After using 10 different offensive line combinations in 13 games last season, UNT has finally found stability up front. Veterans Braydon Nelson, Tay Yanta, Johnny Dickson III, and Gabe Blair have each logged more than 300 snaps through five games, helping to pave the way for a high-powered and efficient unit.

As kickoff approaches, anticipation continues to build across Denton. A packed DATCU Stadium. A ranked opponent under the lights. A chance to make history.

For the Mean Green, Friday night isn’t just another game — it’s the moment that could define a season.