The University of South Florida's men's basketball program has locked in a home‑and‑home series with DePaul University that will kick off in the 2026‑27 season. The Bulls will travel to Chicago for the opener in 2026, and the following year the Blue Demons will make the trek to Tampa to complete the series.
A Revived Rivalry
DePaul, a cornerstone of the Big East Conference, brings 22 NCAA Tournament bids and a series history that stretches back three decades. The two programs have met 30 times, with DePaul holding a 16‑14 edge, and the Bulls captured the 2019 College Basketball Invitational championship in a memorable victory over the Blue Demons.
New Faces on the Roster
This offseason the Bulls welcomed 15 new players, a haul that includes four four‑star recruits and a collective transfer rating of 89.00, ranking third among Group of Six programs. The influx of talent is expected to reshape the team's dynamics and bolster its depth as it prepares for the upcoming campaign.
Strategic Implications
Head coach Chris Mack sees the series as a pivotal opportunity to test the team against a high‑caliber opponent while gauging the progress of his newly assembled squad. The matchup also underscores USF's ambition to climb the national radar and compete more aggressively within the collegiate basketball landscape.