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Power conferences fill this year’s Sweet 16 for the first time ever

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Years of bracket chaos have given way to the year of the power conference.

Cinderella is staying home this time.

The Sweet 16, a popular destination for bracket-busting mid-majors, will be made up entirely of teams from power conferences, a first since the bracket expanded to 64 teams in 1985.

Not a Saint Peter’s or Loyola Chicago in the bunch. Not even a Butler or Gonzaga.

The bracket was set up for this following a chalky first round, when the top four seeds went a combined 16-0 for the sixth time ever. Two No. 12 seeds got through to the second round and one 11.

They all lost.

Highest seed to reach the Sweet 16: No. 10 Arkansas. Everyone else is 6 or higher, with all four No. 1 seeds and three of the four 2s ( sorry St. John’s ).

There will be four conferences represented at regional sties in San Francisco, Newark, Indianapolis and Atlanta. That’s the fewest in NCAA Tournament history and a far cry from the record of 11 (three times)

Speaking of records, the SEC racked up a trio of ‘em.

First, 14 teams made it into the bracket. Record.

Then, six teams lost in the first round. Record.

Now, seven SEC teams are in the Sweet 16. Sweet record.

“We have worked hard as a league to get where we are this year and it’s always tough,”

Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said. “But I would like to think even as fans that we would all have each other’s back this time of year and then we can go back to what we normally do.”

The other conferences — all three — fared fairly well as well.

The Big Ten was the early big bracket winner, becoming the first league to go 8-0 in the first round and stretched it to 10-0 until BYU knocked off Wisconsin. Four teams were bumped out in the second round, but Michigan StateMichiganPurdue and Maryland are feeling sweet.

The newfangled Big 12 also represented itself well, matching a league record set in 2002 by landing four teams in the Sweet 16.

Arizona is new to the Big 12 while Houston and BYU joined last year, so there were better odds than just a few years ago. Even so, four teams — with Texas Tech — gives the league a chance at three national champions in the past five years.

The Atlantic Coast Conference, maligned by a rough early March start, has one Sweet 16er, and it’s a good one.

Duke and fabulous freshman Cooper Flagg were one of the favorites to win the national championship to open the season and still look that way after toying with its first two NCAA Tournament opponents.

“For us to win by this margin, I think this speaks to the level of killer instinct that our guys have, the competitiveness and the connectivity,” coach Jon Scheyer said after the Blue Devils’ 89-66 win over once-formidable Baylor.

One thing is for certain: There won’t be a three-peat.

The first repeat champion since Florida in 2006-07, UConn kept the dream alive with an opening win over Oklahoma. The bid to join John Wooden’s UCLA teams as college basketball’s only three-peaters came to an emotional end on Sunday with a 77-75 loss to top-seeded Florida.

“We’re a passionate program,” UConn coach Dan Hurley said, twice stopping to compose himself. “The players play with it. I coach with it. You’re always (expletive) drained when it’s over.”

The passion this year has been in the power — conferences.

___

AP March Madness bracket: https://apnews.com/hub/ncaa-mens-bracket and coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/march-madness. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here.





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Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, centre right, and Harry Maguire, second from left, hold the trophy during celebration as they won the English League Cup final soccer match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Wembley Stadium in London, Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

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Bryan Hodgson named South Florida head men’s basketball coach named South Florida head men’s basketball coach

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USF NEW HEAD BASKETBALL COACH
Bryan Hodgson named South Florida head men’s basketball coach

Bryan Hodgson, one of the nation’s top recruiters and a rising head coach, has been named the University of South Florida head men’s basketball coach, Vice President for Athletics Michael Kelly announced Monday.

“We are thrilled to welcome Bryan Hodgson as the next head coach of USF men’s basketball,”Kelly said.“Bryan has been a part of winning programs at every level, demonstrating a remarkable ability to recruit top talent, develop players, and build championship-caliber teams. His passion, energy, and vision for USF basketball align perfectly with our commitment to excellence. We believe he is the right leader to take this program to new heights, and we can’t wait to see his impact on our student-athletes and the Tampa Bay community.”

Hodgson, 37, is South Florida’s 12th men’s basketball coach and has coached collegiately for 18 years. He came to Tampa from Arkansas State, where he spent two seasons as head coach. He guided the Red Wolves to two of the most successful seasons in program history, with back-to-back 20-win seasons. During the 2023-24 campaign, after inheriting a team that lost 20 games, he led Arkansas State’s turnaround, which included its first postseason appearance since 1999. The Red Wolves also set program records for scoring (2,019) and field goals made (1,021). Hodgson was also named a finalist for the Joe B. Hall Award, given to the nation’s top first-year head coach.

In 2024-25, the Red Wolves finished with a 25-11 record, the best in Arkansas State program history. The season featured a top-20 victory, saw the Red Wolves secure the Sun Belt Conference regular-season title, and marked their first National Invitation Tournament appearance in more than 30 years. Their offense led the conference, while their defense ranked second at the end of the regular season.
Hodgson’s recruiting classes ranked atop the Sun Belt Conference in both of his seasons at Arkansas State and the incoming recruiting class is currently ranked 35th in the nation, according to 247 Sports.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be the head coach at the University of South Florida,”Hodgson said.“From my first conversations with Michael Kelly and the USF leadership, it was clear that this place is strongly committed to building a winning culture. We are Tampa Bay’s Home for Hoops, and I can’t wait to work with our student-athletes, staff, and the passionate Bulls fan base, including the SoFlo Rodeo! We will play with energy, toughness, and a relentless drive to compete at the highest level. I can’t wait to get started!”

Before Arkansas State, he served as an assistant under Nate Oats at Alabama from 2019 to 2023 and played a key role in landing top-15 recruiting classes each season. Alabama advanced to the NCAA Tournament in three straight seasons during Hodgson’s time there, including two Sweet 16 appearances. During his final season in Tuscaloosa, the Crimson Tide won both the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships. Six student-athletes went on to be drafted into the NBA, including two in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft (Brandon Miller, no. 2 overall to the Charlotte Hornets, and Noah Clowney, no. 21 to the Brooklyn Nets). During his career, Hodgson has coached a total of 12 players who went on to compete in the NBA.

From 2015 to 2019, Hodgson played a pivotal role in the University at Buffalo’s rise as a mid-major powerhouse, where he also served under Oats. He assisted in three NCAA Tournament runs, three Mid-American Conference tournament championships, two regular-season conference titles, and the program’s highest-ever national ranking (no. 14). He developed 2019 MAC Player of the Year CJ Massinburg, who finished his career as a three-time All-MAC honoree and second in school history with 1,990 career points, including 273 three-pointers.

Hodgson’s coaching career began at Fredonia State University, where he served as an assistant coach. He then went to Jamestown Community College and Midland College, where he led recruiting efforts and conducted player development workouts and in-season practice sessions.

His exceptional recruiting ability has earned him recognition as one of The Athletic’s top 25 up-and-coming coaches and one of the 50 most impactful high-major assistant coaches. He was also one of 30 assistant coaches named to the 2016 Under Armour 30 Under 30 Team by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. 247Sports.com also previously named him the no. 2 recruiter in the country.

Hodgson played collegiately at Jamestown Community College for two seasons and served as team captain both years. He earned a bachelor’s degree in sports management from Fredonia State University in 2011 and a master’s in education from the University of the Southwest in 2015.

A western New York native, Hodgson was placed in foster care as an infant and adopted at age two. He mentors children through Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. He is also the founder and president of Coaching Love Inc., which raises awareness for at-risk youth, particularly those in the foster care system or waiting to be adopted, through basketball and other sports.

Hodgson and his fiancée, Jordan, have a son, Jett, who was born in 2024.

Details regarding Coach Hodgson’s introductory press conference will be announced in the coming days.

Bryan Hodgson Coaching History
2025-Present            Head Coach, University of South Florida
2023-2025                 Head Coach, Arkansas State University
2019-2023                 Assistant Coach, University of Alabama
2015-2019                 Assistant Coach, University of Buffalo
2014-2015                 Assistant Coach, Midland College
2013-2014                 Volunteer Assistant, Midland College
2010-2013                 Assistant Coach, Jamestown Community College
2007-2010                 Assistant Coach, Fredonia State University

About USF Athletics
USF Athletics sponsors 21 varsity teams, with 20 competing at the NCAA Division I level in the American Athletic Conference, including the recent additions of women’s lacrosse and women’s beach volleyball. The Bulls’ athletic program, founded in 1965, is in its 59th season.

Nearly 500 student-athletes train and compete in the Tampa General Hospital Athletics District on the east end of USF’s Tampa campus. The Bulls have won 152 conference titles across 16 sports, with 81 men’s championships and 71 women’s championships. Men’s tennis and men’s soccer lead with 20 titles each, while women’s programs have been headlined by women’s tennis (14) and volleyball (13). Since joining the American Athletic Conference in 2013, USF has secured 35 conference team titles.

Academically, USF student-athletes have achieved a program-record 20 consecutive semesters with a combined GPA of 3.0 or above as of fall 2024. Since 2015, more than 750 Bulls have earned their degrees.

Follow South Florida Athletics
For the latest updates from USF Athletics, visit GoUSFBulls.com. Follow USF Athletics on FacebookInstagramXLinkedIn, and YouTube.

Get your tickets today!
Call 1-800-GO-BULLS (1-800-462-8557) or email BullsTickets@usf.edu to claim your 2024 season or single-game tickets. You can also download the USF Bulls app on the Android or Apple stores to purchase tickets and parking. Visit USFBullsTix.com for more information.





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USF Football Spring Game to Feature Street Fest and Halftime Alumni Game

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USF FOOTBALL- USF PHOTO

The USF Spring Game presented by LifeLink returns to Corbett Stadium on the USF Campus on Sat., April 26 and will feature a street fest outside the stadium and the always popular alumni flag football game at halftime.  

A fan favorite event, the last two years the spring game has seen capacity crowds fill the stands and grass berms around the home venue for the USF soccer teams. The game is set for a 6 p.m. kickoff. A street fest featuring food trucks, a Kids Zone, fan activations, photo opportunities and band and cheer performances will begin at 4 p.m. and run through the conclusion of halftime.

The 2025 USF Spring Game and Street Fest will be ticketed events. Proceeds from each ticket sale will benefit the Bulls Club, which directly supports student-athletes. A game ticket will provide access to both the game and the street fest, and both will require a ticket for entry.

2024 FB Spring Game

USF Spring Game and Street Fest tickets are $5 in advance for USF football season ticket members. Season ticket members will be e-mailed a ticket link and have first access to reduced price tickets from March 25 to April 2.

General public tickets will be $10 in advance and go on sale on April 3. A general public ticket link will be distributed on USF Athletics social channels (X & Facebook) and the USF Bulls App, as well as be made available on GoUSFBulls.com to allow fans to reserve tickets to the game. Ticket requests will be accepted through midnight on April 25 or until supplies last.

USF students can claim a limited number of free tickets on game day by presenting a valid USF student ID at the Corbett Stadium ticket office.

The Voice of the Bulls Jim Louk, Sam Barrington and Joey Johnston will broadcast the game on the Bulls Unlimited digital radio channel (USF Bulls App or TuneIn Radio). The game will not have a video live stream.

USF football social channels (X, Facebook and Instagram) will provide highlights of big plays throughout the game. Head coach Alex Golesh‘s postgame press conference will be streamed live on X (@USFFootball) and YouTube.

Parking lots on Sycamore Drive/Lot 18 and Yuengling Center Lots 6 and 22 will be free and will open Saturday morning. Fans are welcome to tailgate in those lots and are asked to only occupy one space per vehicle set-up and avoid blocking traffic pathways.

Several fan activations will take place around the stadium including, a Kidz Zone, food trucks and beverage options, and a beer garden. The stadium gates will open at 4 p.m. with all seating general admission on a first-come basis in the stands and around the field berms. Fans are encouraged to bring blankets and utilize seating areas on the grass berms surrounding the playing surface, and to get into the venue early to select their seating location in the general admission configuration.

Head Coach Alex Golesh‘s third USF team returns 14 starters – six on offense and eight on defense – including record-setting quarterback Byrum Brown(Raleigh, N.C.) who recorded the program’s first 3,000-yard passing season in 2023 and is coming off an injury-shortened 2024 campaign. The Bulls also return four players with eight or more starts on the offensive line in 2023 and wide receiver Keshaun Singleton (Norcross, Ga.), who was second on the team with 408 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

A USF defense that ranked No. 6 nationally in tackles for loss and No. 13 in turnovers gained in 2024 returns nine of its top 12 tacklers, including graduate linebackers Mac Harris (The Villages), who led the team in tackles (82), tackles for loss (12) and sacks (4), and Jhalyn Shuler (Abbeville, S.C.), who led the team with 97 tackles in 2023 and ranked third last year with 61 despite missing several games with injury. The Bulls also return four starters in the secondary, led by safety Tavin Ward (Fort Myers) who led the team with three interceptions and ranked second with 62 tackles last year.

The Bulls are one of 15 teams nationally to have won a bowl game or college football playoff game in each of the last two seasons. South Florida’s eight wins in 12 bowl appearances ranks the Bulls fourth nationally in bowl winning percentage for teams with a minimum of 10 appearances.

2024 FB Spring Game 2

2025 USF SPRING GAME DETAILS
PARKING: Is FREE. Lots will be open Saturday morning.  
Fan parking is in Lot 18/Sycamore Drive and Yuengling Center Lots 6 and 22.
                  – Occupy one space per vehicle set-up and do not to block traffic pathways.

GATES & TICKETS: Street Fest & Stadium Gates will open at 4 p.m.
Entrance is by mobile ticket:
$5 in advance for season ticket members, $10 in advance for the general public.
(Reduced priced tickets may be reserved by season ticket members from March 25 to April 3 with a ticket link being e-mailed)

General public tickets will be available starting April 3.
(Ticket links will be provided to the general public on USF Athletics social channels (X & Facebook), the USF Bulls App and on GoUSFBulls.com)
Capacity and seating are limited, please reserve tickets for admittance in advance

STREET FEST: The Street Fest around Corbett Stadium will begin at 4 p.m. and remain open through the conclusion of halftime. A game ticket will be required for entrance. The Street Fest will feature:

  • USF Sun Dolls, Cheerleaders & Rocky
  • Herd of Thunder Band
  • Photo Opportunities
  • Food Trucks, Beverage Stations & Beer Garden
  • Kids Zone (face painting, caricatures and games)
  • Fan Activations & Merchandise Vendors
  • More additions/details to come

KICKOFF: Set for 6 p.m.

2024 Alumni FB Game

HALFTIME: Alumni flag football game featuring more than 40 returning Bulls.

LISTEN: The game can be heard on Bulls Unlimited on the USF Bulls app or TuneIn Radio.

USF opens the 2025 season on Thurs., Aug. 28 vs. Boise State in Raymond James Stadium before heading to Florida (Sept. 6) and Miami (Sept. 13) and returning the Ray Jay to close out the non-conference campaign against South Carolina State on Sept. 20.

Up Next:
The Bulls open spring practice on March 25 with the annual USF Pro Day following on March 26. The USF Spring Game is set for April 26 at Corbett Stadium on the USF campus.

Tickets:
Deposits for new 2025 USF football season tickets are being accepted now and may be placed by calling 1-800-GoBulls or visiting this LINK.

Follow us:
To stay up-to-date on the latest USF Football news, follow the Bulls on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram).

ABOUT USF FOOTBALL
The USF football program first took the field in 1997 and completed its 28th season in 2024 with its second-straight bowl victory in the Hawai’i Bowl. Head coach Alex Golesh posted a program-best six-game turnaround and a Boca Raton Bowl victory in his first season in 2023. USF completed construction on a new $22 million Indoor Performance Facility in 2023 and a $340-million on-campus stadium and football operations center broke ground in the fall of 2024 and is slated for completion by 2027. The Bulls have posted 17 winning seasons, earned 16 All-America selections (including two consensus selections, the last coming in 2021), as well as 33 first-team all-conference honorees. USF has had 30 players selected in the NFL Draft and the Bulls have made 12 bowl game appearances (going 8-4), posting a program-record six straight appearances from 2005-2010 and making four straight bowl appearances from 2015-18. USF posted back-to-back 10-win seasons in 2016 and 2017, logging a program-record 11-2 mark in 2016, while finishing both seasons ranked in the Top 25. USF spent a program-record 20 straight weeks ranked in the Top 25 during the 2016 and 2017 campaigns and reached as high as No. 2 in the Associated Press rankings during the 2007 season.





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