The SEC has officially announced a basketball series between Alabama and USF, with a future matchup scheduled for 2026. This series continues a trend of SEC teams extending their reach into non-conference play, showcasing their strength and expanding their fan base. The 2026 game is expected to take place in Tampa, providing an exciting opportunity for local fans to witness high-level college basketball.

Alabama, a perennial powerhouse in college basketball, looks to maintain its competitive edge against a USF team eager to make its mark on the national stage. This matchup is more than just a game; it's a strategic move by both programs as they aim to enhance their respective resumes ahead of conference play, particularly in a landscape where every game counts towards postseason aspirations.

The Alabama Crimson Tide basketball team is set to engage in a three-year series with the South Florida Bulls, commencing on December 17, 2025, at Coleman Coliseum. This matchup signifies a personal reunion as Alabama's head coach Nate Oats faces off against his former assistant, Bryan Hodgson, who now leads the Bulls.

The series will continue with a game in Tampa in December 2026, before returning to Tuscaloosa in 2027. The inclusion of South Florida, along with high-profile opponents like Florida State, Purdue, and Arizona, enriches Alabama's non-conference schedule for the upcoming seasons.

USF Athletics is poised for a significant transition as college sports move towards a revenue-sharing model. The program emphasizes its preparedness for the future, assuring stakeholders that it remains confident amidst these changes. The institution is focused on adapting to new financial landscapes, aiming to strengthen its athletic programs while navigating these emerging economic opportunities.

The 2026 NFL Draft landscape is taking shape, with several high-profile prospects facing crucial comeback seasons to enhance their stock. Key players like Carson Beck and Conner Weigman look to rebound after mixed performances, while others, such as Byrum Brown and Jaydn Ott, seek to overcome injuries that hindered their last campaigns. Each of these athletes has the potential to redefine their narratives and improve their draft positions if they can deliver strong performances this season.

Beck, now at Miami, must harness the explosive nature of the Hurricanes offense to attract first-round discussions again. Similarly, Weigman's move to Houston provides him the opportunity to rebuild his reputation after a rocky tenure at Texas A&M. For players like Brown and Ott, consistency and health will be key in showcasing their skills, with both aiming to make impactful statements in their respective conferences. As prospects navigate these pivotal years, the NFL landscape is poised for significant shifts come draft day.

Mitch Hannahs, the new head coach of the University of South Florida baseball team, is striving to transform a program with a history of struggles into a competitive force. Drawing inspiration from the Cincinnati Reds and their legendary 'Big Red Machine,' Hannahs emphasizes a culture of hard work, self-motivation, and resilience. Under his leadership, the Bulls are showing signs of improvement, currently sitting in a tie for second in the American Athletic Conference.

Key players have emerged, such as first baseman Sebastian Greico, who leads the conference with 14 home runs. Even with recent setbacks against the University of Texas at San Antonio, the Bulls displayed a competitive spirit, holding their opponents scoreless for a stretch. Hannahs has prioritized building a strong team mentality and is making impactful roster changes through the transfer portal, which have already begun to yield positive results.