A Deep‑Dive Into the New Bulls Lineup
Coach Chris Mack has put the finishing touches on the University of South Florida’s 2026‑27 men’s basketball roster, a 15‑player contingent that blends 12 newcomers from the transfer portal with three highly touted high school prospects.
The class arrives with a reputation that places it among the nation’s most competitive groups within the Group of 6, highlighted by an average transfer rating of 89.00 that ranks third nationally and by four four‑star recruits as recognized by 247Sports.
Positionally, the Bulls will field eight guards, six forwards and a single center, a distribution that reflects both depth at the backcourt and a versatile frontcourt.
Three of the incoming players already carry collegiate all‑conference accolades, and two have been celebrated as state Gatorade Players of the Year, underscoring the talent influx.
Among the newcomers, guard AJ Dancler arrives with 1,122 career points, 356 rebounds and 206 steals, while forward Reph Stevenson brings 1,037 points and 647 rebounds to his name. Veteran presence comes from Mike James, who contributes 756 points across 86 collegiate appearances, and Andrej Shoshkikj, a freshman who started 21 games at Stony Brook and averaged 10.7 points per game.
Jayden Johnson, a two‑time Kentucky All‑State honoree and Trinity High School’s all‑time leading scorer with 1,488 points, joins the backcourt, alongside Jake Feldhaus, the 2026 Kentucky Mr. Basketball, and forward Richard Goods, who previously played at Stony Brook and Hampton. Forward Garrett Johnson, after three seasons at George Washington and one at Princeton, adds experience, while center Tiefing Diawara, a transfer from Syracuse and native of Mali, provides size and international flair. Also joining the roster are guard Sonny Wilson, the Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year, forward Darren Moore, and forward Donovan Waleskowski, while high‑school prospect Zayden High rounds out the incoming class. Finally, Joshua Lewis returns to Tampa after a freshman season at Louisiana.
The blend of seasoned transfers and fresh high‑school stars creates a roster that coaches hope will translate into deeper runs in conference play and beyond, reinforcing the Bulls’ ambition to climb the national rankings.