USF Bulls Basketball Claims Second Regular Season Conference Championship
TAMPA, Fla. – The University of South Florida men’s basketball team concluded its regular season with a dominant performance, securing its second regular-season conference championship in program history. The Bulls finished conference play on a nine-game winning streak, marking a significant achievement for the program.
Season Highlights
The 2025-26 season was filled with memorable moments for the USF Bulls, showcasing both individual brilliance and team cohesion. Here’s a look back at key games and performances:
Early Season Tests
The season began with a resounding 102-67 victory against Florida A&M on November 3, highlighted by Izaiyah Nelson’s double-double and Wes Enis’s five three-pointers. The Bulls faced challenges in neutral-site and road games, including a close 99-95 defeat against George Washington on November 8 and a 103-95 loss at Oklahoma State on November 19.
Honoring a Legacy
On November 16, the Bulls participated in the inaugural Love Wins Classic, honoring the memory of former head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim during a road contest against Kennesaw State. USF prevailed 108-89, with contributions from Caleb Sanders.
Battle 4 Atlantis
The Bulls competed in the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in late November, facing tough competition. Despite a spirited comeback, they fell to VCU 78-66 on November 26. The following day, USF secured a thrilling 97-91 overtime victory against Western Kentucky, fueled by Izaiyah Nelson’s performance. However, they faced a setback against Colorado State on November 28, losing 83-68.
Home Court Advantage
The Yuengling Center proved to be a formidable venue for the Bulls. On December 4, they defeated Utah State 74-61, and on December 10, they overcame the College of Charleston 81-75, thanks to a season-high 17 points from freshman Tristan Beckford.
Conference Play
The Bulls entered conference play with momentum, securing key victories against North Texas (74-70 on January 7) and Tulsa (93-78 on January 10), with Wes Enis contributing 10 made three-pointers in the latter game. They continued their success with a 97-83 win at Tulane on January 28, marking their fourth consecutive road victory in the American Conference.
Challenges and Triumphs
The road wasn’t without its obstacles. USF faced a narrow 79-78 defeat against Temple on January 31. However, they rebounded with a dramatic 83-81 overtime victory at Florida Atlantic on February 15, led by Wes Enis and Joseph Pinion. The Bulls continued to dominate, defeating Memphis 87-66 on February 19 and Rice 75-56 on February 25.
Championship Clinch
On March 1, the Bulls clinched the American Conference regular-season championship with a decisive 90-62 home win against Tulane. The victory sparked celebrations as USF secured its second conference title in program history.
Looking Ahead
With a 23-8 record, the Bulls are poised for their 14th postseason appearance and a potential fourth NCAA Tournament berth. The program, under the leadership of head coach Bryan Hodgson, who was appointed on March 24, 2025, continues to build on its legacy of success. Hodgson previously led Arkansas State to back-to-back 20-win seasons and its first postseason appearance since 1999.
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About USF Men’s Basketball: South Florida men’s basketball is amidst its 55th season. Three former Bulls – Chucky Atkins, Charlie Bradley, and Rodenko Dobras – have had their jerseys retired and are members of the USF Athletic Hall of Fame. The Bulls play their home games at the 10,400-seat Yuengling Center on the USF Tampa campus.