Bryan Hodgson, the name on everyone's lips as a potential head coach for Syracuse basketball, is making waves with his South Florida Bulls. They're in the 2026 NCAA Tournament as a No. 11 seed, and many experts are backing them to pull off a first-round upset.
The Bulls are entering the tournament on a hot streak, boasting 11 straight victories. With a 25-8 record, they've snagged both the American Conference regular-season and tournament titles. It's been a season to remember for South Florida.
In a heartwarming twist, Hodgson's father, who has dementia, will finally see his son coach in person. This first-round game is conveniently close to Hodgson's hometown, allowing his dad to be there for the first time.
Hodgson, hailing from Western New York, will lead his Bulls against the No. 6 seed Louisville Cardinals, who stand at 23-10. A key storyline to watch is whether Louisville's standout freshman, Mikel Brown Jr., will play, as he's been nursing a back injury.
The game is set for a 1:30 pm EST tip-off on Thursday, March 19, at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, N.Y., with TNT covering the action.
South Florida's playing style is all about speed and scoring. Ranked No. 15 in adjusted tempo by KenPom, they average an impressive 87.7 points per game, placing them eighth nationally.
Louisville isn't far behind, averaging 84.8 points per game. Expect a high-scoring affair in Buffalo.
It's a special moment for Hodgson, whose coaching journey has included stints at Arkansas State and as an assistant with Buffalo and Alabama. Returning to Buffalo for his NCAA head coaching debut adds an emotional layer, especially with his dad in attendance.
The buzz around Hodgson potentially moving to Syracuse or Providence is growing. However, the focus remains on the upcoming clash with Louisville. It's a game filled with personal and professional significance, and Hodgson's Bulls will be looking to make a statement with his father proudly watching.