The University of South Florida Bulls football team will play 12 games during the 2026 season, marking the program’s 30th year and final season at Raymond James Stadium before moving to a new on-campus facility in 2027.
Head coach Brian Hartline, hired in December 2025 from Ohio State, will lead the Bulls through their American Athletic Conference schedule.
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2026 USF Football Schedule Overview
The 2026 schedule includes four confirmed non-conference games and eight American Athletic Conference matchups. USF opens the season on Friday, September 5, 2026, against Florida International University at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Complete 2026 Game Schedule
| Date | Opponent | Location | Venue | Kickoff Time | Radio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | vs FIU | Tampa, FL | Raymond James Stadium | TBA | Q105 FM & Bulls Unlimited |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | vs Delaware State | Tampa, FL | Raymond James Stadium | TBA | Q105 FM & Bulls Unlimited |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | at Bowling Green | Bowling Green, OH | Doyt L. Perry Stadium | TBA | Q105 FM & Bulls Unlimited |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | vs Kent State | Tampa, FL | Raymond James Stadium | TBA | Q105 FM & Bulls Unlimited |
American Athletic Conference opponents (specific dates to be announced):
- Home games: Memphis, Tulane, Temple, UAB
- Away games: Army, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, UTSA
USF Football Non-Conference Schedule 2026
USF completes its non-conference slate with four opponents across September and October. The Bulls added Kent State on January 30, 2026, as the final piece of their non-conference schedule.
Season Opener: USF vs FIU
The Bulls host Florida International University on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. This rivalry matchup, featuring Tampa’s 813 area code against Miami’s 305, marks Brian Hartline’s coaching debut with the Bulls. The two programs have met regularly as in-state opponents, making this a critical early test for USF’s new offensive system.
Home Game Against Delaware State
On Saturday, September 19, 2026, USF welcomes Delaware State to Tampa. This represents the first meeting between the programs since 1997, providing the Bulls an opportunity to build momentum before conference play begins. Delaware State competes in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference.
Road Test at Bowling Green
The Bulls travel to Bowling Green, Ohio, for their only non-conference road game on Saturday, September 26, 2026. This matchup at Doyt L. Perry Stadium tests USF’s ability to win away from Raymond James Stadium early in the season. Bowling Green plays in the Mid-American Conference.
Kent State Home Date
USF hosts Kent State on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. This game, announced on January 30, 2026, represents the first-ever meeting between the two programs. Kent State competes in the Mid-American Conference East Division.
American Athletic Conference Schedule Details
The American Athletic Conference features 14 member institutions for the 2026 season, with each team playing eight conference games. The AAC announced opponent pairings in October 2025, but specific dates and kickoff times remain to be determined as of February 2026.
USF Home Conference Games 2026
Raymond James Stadium will host four AAC opponents during the 2026 season:
Memphis Tigers: A perennial AAC contender, Memphis brings a high-powered offense to Tampa. The Tigers have consistently ranked among the conference’s top programs, making this a crucial game for USF’s bowl eligibility chances.
Tulane Green Wave: Tulane has emerged as an AAC power in recent seasons. This matchup could determine conference championship implications late in the year.
Temple Owls: Temple provides a geographic East Coast opponent for USF. The Owls have faced the Bulls regularly throughout AAC membership.
UAB Blazers: UAB joined the AAC and brings a physical running game to Tampa. This represents a developing conference rivalry for the Bulls.
USF Away Conference Games 2026
The Bulls will travel to four AAC stadiums during conference play:
Army Black Knights at Michie Stadium: USF makes its first trip to West Point, New York, since 2003. This represents the Bulls’ first meeting with Army as an AAC conference opponent. Michie Stadium’s unique atmosphere and the Army’s triple-option offense create a distinct challenge.
East Carolina Pirates: The Bulls travel to Greenville, North Carolina, for an AAC opener against ECU. This game likely sets the tone for USF’s conference championship aspirations.
Florida Atlantic Owls: USF faces in-state AAC rival FAU in Boca Raton. This “Sunshine State” conference game carries recruiting implications across South Florida.
UTSA Roadrunners: The regular season finale takes place in San Antonio, Texas, at the Alamodome. UTSA has built a competitive program in recent years, making this a potential late-season challenge.
Raymond James Stadium: Final Season Details
Raymond James Stadium, home to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, has hosted USF Bulls football since the program’s inception. The 2026 season marks the final year before the Bulls move to a new 35,000-seat on-campus stadium scheduled to open in fall 2027.
Stadium Capacity and Location
Raymond James Stadium holds 65,000+ spectators and sits at 4201 North Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, Florida. The facility features modern amenities, including club seating, luxury suites, and multiple concession areas throughout the venue.
Parking and Game Day Information
Stadium parking lots open four hours before kickoff for all home games. Tailgating is permitted in designated areas surrounding Raymond James Stadium. Fans should arrive early for high-profile conference matchups against Memphis and Tulane to secure preferred parking locations.
Brian Hartline Era Begins
Brian Hartline signed a six-year contract worth $21.15 million in December 2025 to become USF’s seventh head coach. Hartline arrives from Ohio State, where he served as wide receivers coach and built a reputation as one of college football’s premier recruiters.
Offensive Philosophy Changes
Hartline’s offensive system emphasizes wide receiver development and vertical passing. His approach contrasts with previous offensive schemes, requiring roster adjustments through the transfer portal. USF added 41 players during the January 2026 transfer window to fit Hartline’s system.
Recruiting Impact
The 2026 recruiting class ranks Top 3 in the American Athletic Conference. Notable signee Gaston Gramatica continues the legendary family legacy of Bulls kickers. Hartline’s Ohio State connections have strengthened USF’s recruiting reach into national markets.
How to Watch USF Football in 2026
All USF home games are broadcast on Q105 FM and through Bulls Unlimited digital streaming via the USF Bulls mobile app. Television broadcast partners and streaming services will be announced as the AAC finalizes its media agreements for specific games.
TV Coverage and Streaming Options
The American Athletic Conference maintains broadcast partnerships with ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN+. Most AAC games appear on ESPN’s family of networks or stream exclusively on ESPN+. Some games may air on regional networks depending on conference scheduling.
Radio Coverage
Q105 FM provides play-by-play coverage for all 12 USF football games during the 2026 season. The Bulls Unlimited digital platform streams games through the USF Bulls mobile application, available on iOS and Android devices.
USF Football Tickets 2026
Season tickets and single-game tickets for the 2026 season are available through USF Athletics’ official ticketing portal. This represents the final opportunity to purchase season tickets for games at Raymond James Stadium before the on-campus stadium opens in 2027.
Ticket Pricing and Availability
Single-game ticket prices range from $29 to $113+, depending on opponent, seating location, and demand. Season ticket packages offer the best value for fans attending multiple home games. Student tickets are available at discounted rates through the USF student affairs office.
Where to Purchase Tickets
Official tickets are sold through:
- USF Athletics website: gousfbulls.com
- Ticketmaster: Primary ticketing partner
- Vivid Seats: Secondary market option
- SeatGeek: Resale marketplace
Conference Championship and Bowl Implications
USF enters the 2026 season seeking bowl eligibility, which requires six wins during the regular season. The Bulls last appeared in a bowl game in 2021 under former head coach Jeff Scott.
AAC Championship Game Path
The top two teams in the American Athletic Conference standings meet in the AAC Championship Game in early December. USF must navigate a challenging conference schedule, including road games at Army, ECU, FAU, and UTSA, to contend for the championship.
Bowl Game Projections
The American Athletic Conference holds tie-ins with six bowl games: Armed Forces Bowl, Birmingham Bowl, Boca Raton Bowl, Frisco Bowl, Gasparilla Bowl, and Memphis Bowl. USF’s bowl destination depends on final conference standings and team record.
On-Campus Stadium Construction Update
The new $349 million USF on-campus stadium is currently under construction near the Tampa campus. The facility will feature 35,000 seats and modern amenities designed specifically for college football. Construction remains on schedule for a fall 2027 opening.
Farewell Season at Raymond James
USF plans commemorative events and farewell activities throughout the 2026 season to honor the program’s history at Raymond James Stadium. Senior Day on the final home game will carry special significance as the last regular-season game at the venue.
Printable 2026 USF Football Schedule
Fans can download a printable PDF version of the complete 2026 schedule from the official USF Athletics website. The schedule can be added directly to digital calendars through the “Add to Calendar” function on gousfbulls.com.
Schedule Updates and Announcements
The American Athletic Conference will announce specific game times and television coverage for all conference matchups in spring 2026. Fans should monitor USF Athletics’ official channels for kickoff time announcements and broadcast details.
Historical Context and Rivalry Games
The 2026 season represents USF’s 30th year of football since the program launched in 1997. The Bulls have competed in Conference USA, the Big East, and now the American Athletic Conference throughout their history.
War on I-4 Rivalry Status
The traditional War on I-4 rivalry against UCF is not scheduled for 2026 due to conference realignment. UCF now competes in the Big 12 Conference, while USF remains in the American Athletic Conference. Future non-conference scheduling could revive this rivalry game.
In-State Matchups
USF faces two Florida opponents during the 2026 season: FIU at home on September 5 and FAU on the road in conference play. These games carry recruiting significance across the state.
FAQs About the 2026 USF Football Schedule
When does the USF football season start in 2026?
The season begins on Saturday, September 5, 2026, when USF hosts Florida International University at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida.
Where does USF play home games in 2026?
All USF home games take place at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. This is the Bulls’ final season at the venue before moving to a new on-campus stadium in 2027.
How many games does USF play in 2026?
USF plays 12 regular-season games: four non-conference matchups and eight American Athletic Conference games.
Who is the USF football coach for 2026?
Brian Hartline serves as head coach. He was hired in December 2025 from Ohio State, where he coached wide receivers.
What conference is USF in?
USF competes in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) with 13 other member institutions.
When does USF play FIU in 2026?
USF hosts FIU on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Raymond James Stadium. This game marks Brian Hartline’s debut as head coach.
What channel broadcasts USF football games?
Games air on ESPN’s family of networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN+) based on AAC television agreements. All games broadcast on Q105 FM and stream through Bulls Unlimited.
When is USF’s first road game in 2026?
The Bulls travel to Bowling Green on Saturday, September 26, 2026, for their first road game of the season.
Does USF play UCF in 2026?
No. The War on I-4 rivalry game against UCF is not scheduled for 2026 due to conference realignment. UCF now plays in the Big 12 Conference.
How can I buy USF football tickets for 2026?
Tickets are available through the official USF Athletics website (gousfbulls.com), Ticketmaster, Vivid Seats, and SeatGeek.
What time do USF games start in 2026?
Kickoff times have not been announced as of February 2026. The AAC will release specific game times for conference matchups in spring 2026.
Is there a printable USF football schedule for 2026?
Yes. A downloadable PDF version is available on the official USF Athletics website with an “Add to Calendar” function for digital calendars.
