The University of South Florida (USF) revealed a slate of non‑conference games that will shape the early portion of its 2026‑27 schedule. A home‑and‑home series with the University of Dayton is set to open with an away contest at UD Arena on December 12, 2026, before the Bulls host the Flyers in Tampa during the opening weeks of the 2027‑28 season.
Mack's Second Year Brings Fresh Momentum
Chris Mack, who was named USF's 13th head coach in March 2026, is entering his second year at the helm. Under his guidance, the program has already secured a series with DePaul, beginning in Chicago on November 5, 2026, and is now adding the Dayton matchup to its calendar. The moves reflect a deliberate effort to test the team against varied competition early in the season.
The Bulls have overhauled their roster, welcoming 15 new players, including 12 transfers and three fresh high‑school signees. Among the incoming transfers are four athletes with a composite rating of .9100 or higher, according to 247Sports, contributing to a transfer class that ranks third among Group of 6 programs with an average rating of 89.00.
Dayton arrives as a recent powerhouse, having posted a 25‑12 record last season and earning berths in both the NCAA Tournament and the NIT. The Flyers hold a 4‑2 edge in the all‑time series against USF, though the programs have not met since a 1997 encounter at the San Juan Shootout. Their Atlantic‑10 pedigree adds a compelling narrative to the upcoming series.
Both games will be played in iconic venues: the Flyers' home court at UD Arena in Dayton, Ohio, and the Bulls' own Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. The matchups provide an early test for Mack's revamped squad and set the tone for a season that aims to build on the program's recent American Conference title.