George Mason University’s men’s basketball team is set to open its 2026‑27 campaign at home against South Florida on November 21, 2026, kicking off a two‑year home‑and‑home series that will conclude in Tampa during the 2027‑28 season.
The matchup marks more than a simple schedule filler; it pits two programs that have each enjoyed a surge in recent years against one another, promising a competitive start to the season.
South Florida’s Rapid Ascent
South Florida entered the 2025‑26 season under new head coach Chris Mack and turned a promising roster into a 25‑win campaign, capturing both the American Athletic Conference regular‑season and tournament titles for the first time in program history. The Bulls rode that momentum into the NCAA Tournament, where they fell just shy of a historic upset, losing 83‑79 to No. 6 Louisville.
Patriots’ Recent Dominance
George Mason, meanwhile, has cemented itself as one of the Atlantic‑10’s most consistent programs. Over the past three seasons the Patriots have amassed 70 victories and earned a top‑100 NET ranking each year, marking back‑to‑back postseason appearances for the first time since 2007‑09.
Coach Tony Skinn continues to steer the team, relying on a core that includes Brayden O’Connor, Emmanuel Kanga and Malik Presley. The club also welcomes a highly touted freshman class, highlighted by Shane Pendergrass, the second‑highest recruit in program history, and Baraka Okojie, a Patriot transfer who earned A‑10 All‑Rookie honors at Mason before excelling at Mercer.
Beyond the Series
In addition to the South Florida showdown, Mason will test itself against High Point University and Old Dominion as part of other non‑conference series, further shaping its schedule for the upcoming season.