Get ready for a thrilling basketball season, because the University of South Florida (USF) is poised to make waves in the American Conference like never before. But here's where it gets exciting: both the men’s and women’s programs are entering the 2025-26 season with sky-high expectations, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. In the American Conference Preseason Polls, the women’s team has been crowned the favorite to claim the title, while the men’s team isn’t far behind, securing the second spot with two first-place votes. Yet, their journeys couldn’t be more different—one program is a proven powerhouse, while the other is rising from the ashes of a challenging past. So, what does this mean for USF’s basketball future? Let’s dive in.
The Women’s Team: A Dynasty in the Making
For the sixth consecutive year, the USF women’s basketball program has topped the preseason rankings, solidifying its status as one of the American Conference’s most dominant forces. Coming off a 23-11 season that included their second conference title in five years and a 10th NCAA tournament appearance, the Bulls are chasing greatness once again. Head coach Jose Fernandez, entering his 26th season at the helm, has a seasoned core of veterans to lead the charge. But here’s the twist: despite losing four players to the transfer portal and graduating standouts Sammie Puisis and Mama Dembele, the team retained two key players—senior forward Carla Brito, named this year’s American Preseason Player of the Year, and L’or Mputu, last year’s Most Improved Player. With a revamped postseason structure that only allows the top 10 teams to qualify, consistency will be key. And while their nonconference schedule includes powerhouses like UConn and South Carolina, the Bulls’ 11 out of 13 first-place votes in the preseason poll prove they’re up for the challenge.
The Men’s Team: From Heartbreak to Hope
Last season was a rollercoaster for the USF men’s program, marked by the tragic passing of former head coach Amir Abdur-Rahim. After a 25-win championship season under his leadership, the team struggled to just 13 wins in his absence. But here’s where it gets controversial: the hiring of former Arkansas State head coach Bryan Hodgson has sparked a wave of optimism. Known as a top recruiter, Hodgson wasted no time reshaping the roster, bringing in a star-studded lineup led by four-star transfer Daimion Collins. With the 38th-ranked recruiting class in the nation, according to 24/7 Sports, the Bulls have gone from underdogs to legitimate contenders. Their second-place ranking in the preseason poll, just behind defending champions Memphis, signals a potential return to glory after a 30-year conference title drought.
The Bigger Picture: A Conference on the Brink
Both USF programs are facing unique challenges, but their shared goal is clear: clinch the conference title and secure a spot in March Madness. The women’s team must navigate a tougher postseason format, while the men’s team aims to rebuild its identity under new leadership. And this is the part most people miss: the American Conference itself is evolving, with increased competition and higher stakes. Will USF rise to the occasion, or will the pressure prove too much? Only time will tell.
Thought-Provoking Question for You: With the women’s team favored to win and the men’s team on the rise, is USF poised to dominate the American Conference for years to come? Or will the new postseason format and stiff competition derail their ambitions? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear from you!
