USF unveils 2026 football schedule as Brian Hartline begins new era in Tampa

USF celebrates 30th season with loaded 2026 slate and final year at Raymond James Stadium

Brian Hartline and the Bulls now know the road they will travel in the 2026 South Florida Football Season presented by Tampa General Hospital. The American Conference released schedules for all league teams on Thursday, giving Hartline a full picture of his first campaign at the helm. The Bulls enter the year coming off a 9-4 season and a third straight bowl appearance, and they will celebrate their 30th season of football with seven home games for the first time since 2019. USF went 6-0 at home last season and plays its final year at Raymond James Stadium in 2026 before moving into a new 35,000-seat on-campus stadium in 2027.

A Season Built Around Primetime and Flexibility

The 2026 slate includes at least three weeknight primetime games, with the possibility of a fourth depending on the flex designation for the regular-season finale. Kickoff times and television assignments for the first three weeks and all weeknight games will be finalized by June 1. The remaining schedule will follow the standard 12-day and six-day selection windows. Fans can reserve season tickets for the seven home games at Raymond James Stadium by calling 1-800-GoBulls or visiting the team’s ticket site.

Early Conference Test at Army

USF opens American Conference play on Saturday, Sept. 12, at Army, marking the earliest conference game in program history. The Bulls last traveled to West Point in 2003 and earned a 28-0 win. The all-time series sits at 1-1, and the matchup becomes USF’s first road conference opener since 2024.

Non-Conference Games Set the Foundation

The season begins at home on Saturday, Sept. 5, against FIU. The Bulls also host Delaware State on Sept. 19 and Kent State on Oct. 17, with the Kent State matchup serving as Homecoming. The lone non-conference road trip sends USF to Bowling Green on Sept. 26.

October Brings a Mix of Challenges

USF returns to conference play on Oct. 3 when Temple visits Raymond James Stadium. The Bulls then travel to UTSA for their first weeknight game on Thursday, Oct. 8. After Homecoming against Kent State, USF takes an open week before hosting UAB on Oct. 31 for a Halloween Black Out game. The Bulls beat UAB 48-18 last season and hold a 3-2 series lead.

November Push Defines the Stretch Run

The Bulls head to ECU for a Friday night matchup on Nov. 6. ECU has won three straight in the series and holds a 9-4 advantage. USF then returns home for a Thursday night Salute to Service game against Memphis on Nov. 12. Memphis has won the last five meetings and leads the series 10-4. The final road game comes at FAU on Nov. 21, where USF owns a 4-2 series lead after last year’s 48-13 win.

Senior Day/Night Closes the Regular Season

USF ends the regular season at home against Tulane on either Friday, Nov. 27, or Saturday, Nov. 28. Tulane has reached four straight American Conference Championship Games and earned a College Football Playoff berth last season. The Green Wave lead the series 4-1 and have won the last four meetings. Final date and TV details will be set by Oct. 11.

Championship Format and What Comes Next

All 14 American Conference teams will play eight league games in 2026, with the top two teams meeting in the American Conference Championship Game on Saturday, Dec. 5. The conference comes off a strong 2025 season that included nine bowl teams and a College Football Playoff appearance by Tulane. USF begins spring practice on March 11, and the Spring Game is scheduled for Sunday, April 19, at Corbett Stadium.