The University of South Florida's men's basketball program has locked in a home‑and‑home series with George Mason University that will kick off during the 2026‑27 season, with the first meeting scheduled for the 2027‑28 campaign in Tampa.
The Bulls will host the Patriots at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, marking the first leg of the series. The two schools have previously met twice, each time with South Florida edging out narrow victories, setting the stage for a renewed rivalry.
Under the direction of new head coach Chris Mack, the Bulls have undertaken a massive roster overhaul. The team has added 15 newcomers, including 12 transfers from the portal and three high‑school signees, a move that has lifted the program's average transfer rating to 89.00, ranking third among Group of 6 schools.
The incoming class, lauded by 247Sports for ranking among the top 10 nationally within the Group of 6, features standout transfers such as Tony Skinn, Izaiyah Nelson, Chucky Atkins, Charlie Bradley, Rodenko Dobras, Amir Abdur‑Rahim and Bobby Paschal, all of whom are expected to contribute immediately.
The 2025‑26 squad finished with a 25‑9 record, captured the American Conference regular‑season title and secured an NCAA tournament berth, extending the program's streak of 14 postseason appearances that include four NCAA Tournaments, nine NIT selections and a CBI championship in 2019.
The Bulls have also claimed American Conference regular‑season championships in 2024 and 2026 and captured the conference tournament title in 2026, underscoring a period of sustained success that has positioned the program as a consistent contender in the region.
A Strategic Non‑Conference Schedule
Beyond the series with George Mason, South Florida has slated additional non‑conference matchups for the 2026‑27 season, including games against DePaul, Dayton, Kennesaw State and St. Joseph's. These contests are designed to test the team against a variety of playing styles and to further cement the Bulls' reputation as a program that thrives on competitive diversity.
The upcoming schedule also reflects the Bulls' commitment to engaging with fans in Tampa and across the country, with games expected to draw strong attendance at the Yuengling Center and to be broadcast on regional sports networks.