USF Heads to Annapolis for Veterans Classic Showcase
USF men’s basketball will open a new chapter under head coach Chris Mack with a nationally televised appearance in one of college basketball’s most respected early‑season events. The Bulls have been selected to compete in the 13th edition of the Veterans Classic, taking on St. Joseph’s on Wednesday, Nov. 11 at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.
The doubleheader begins with USF vs. St. Joe’s at 3 p.m., followed by Navy vs. Penn at 5:30 p.m. Both games will air on CBS Sports Network, giving the Bulls a strong national platform early in the 2026–27 season.
A Field Loaded With Postseason Teams
This year’s Veterans Classic features a field with significant postseason pedigree. USF and Penn both reached the 2026 NCAA Tournament, while Navy and St. Joseph’s advanced to the NIT. The four programs combined for a 93‑41 record last season, underscoring the event’s reputation for pairing competitive, high‑profile matchups around Veterans Day .
St. Joe’s enters the game coming off a 24‑12 season and a trip to the NIT quarterfinals. The Bulls and Hawks last met in 2022 at the Sunshine Slam, where USF earned a 75‑62 win. The all‑time series is tied 1‑1.
Honoring Veterans and Immersing in Naval Academy Tradition
The Veterans Classic is more than a basketball showcase. Each visiting team spends the day before the game touring the Naval Academy, meeting midshipmen, and participating in events designed to honor the nation’s veterans. During the doubleheader, veterans from all service branches are recognized in front of the Alumni Hall crowd.
Ticket information will be released later, with reserved lower‑level seats priced at $40 and upper‑level general admission at $25 .
Chris Mack Begins His First Season With a Rebuilt Roster
The matchup marks one of the first major tests of the Chris Mack era at USF. Mack, hired in March, takes over a program that won 25 games last season, captured both the American Athletic Conference regular‑season and tournament titles, and returned to the NCAA Tournament.
USF enters 2026–27 with a completely rebuilt roster—15 new players, including 12 transfers and three high‑school signees. The transfer class ranks among the top in the Group of 6, featuring multiple four‑star additions and an average rating of 89.00 according to 247Sports .
The Bulls have already announced non‑conference games at DePaul, Dayton, and a home matchup with Kennesaw State, making the Veterans Classic a centerpiece of a challenging early schedule.
A National Stage for a New‑Look Bulls Team
For USF, the Veterans Classic offers visibility, competition, and a meaningful opportunity to honor service members. For Chris Mack, it’s an early chance to showcase a retooled roster and set the tone for a season filled with expectations.
