Breaking: USF Bulls Unveil 2026 Spring Men’s Tennis Schedule
Table of Contents
The University of South Florida’s men’s tennis program has released its 2026 spring slate,signaling a bold mix of nonconference tests and a rigorous American Athletic Conference run. All eyes are on the Bulls’ home venue,the USF Varsity Tennis Courts in Tampa,where several marquee matches are slated to ignite the season.
The season kicks off on the road with a demanding nonconference lineup, featuring battles against Florida, UCF, Washington (neutral site), Texas, UNC Wilmington, UC Santa Barbara, Pepperdine, and miami. The stretch is designed to sharpen the bulls ahead of conference play and set the tone for a bid at postseason action.
USF’s home schedule unfolds in early February and continues through the spring with a robust list of opponents. Fans will see UCF, Georgia Southern, Stetson, Clemson, Middle Tennessee State, Rice, Florida Atlantic, Liberty, Harvard, Charlotte, FGCU, and UNF hosted at home before the regular season wraps with a road trip to Tulane in New Orleans.
Postseason action is mapped out with the AAC Championship slated for April 16-19 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.If the Bulls advance, thay’ll chase NCAA Tournament glory, with first- and second-round play scheduled for May 14-17. Home matches stay in Tampa, and admission remains free.Final match times and schedule updates will be announced closer to the season.
Program Snapshot
Head coach Ashley Fisher enters his 10th season at the helm. Under his leadership, USF has earned five NCAA Tournament berths, including three trips to the second round. Fisher’s work has earned conference accolades, including American Athletic Conference Coach of the Year honors in 2017 and 2019 after guiding the Bulls to conference titles in those campaigns.
For ongoing updates, follow USF Men’s Tennis on social platforms and visit gousfbulls.com for the latest information.
Key Dates At A Glance
| Phase | Dates / Opponents |
|---|---|
| Nonconference slate (road) | Florida, UCF, Washington (neutral), Texas, UNC Wilmington, UC Santa Barbara, Pepperdine, Miami |
| Home matches | UCF, Georgia Southern, Stetson, Clemson, Middle Tennessee State, Rice, Florida Atlantic, Liberty, Harvard, Charlotte, FGCU, UNF |
| Season finale (road) | Tulane, New Orleans |
| AAC Championship | April 16-19, Tulsa, OK |
| NCAA Tournament | First rounds, May 14-17 |
| Home venue | USF Varsity Tennis Courts, Tampa; admission free |
| Head Coach | Ashley Fisher (10th year) |
Which nonconference duel are you most anticipating this season? Do you expect home-court momentum to translate into a deeper NCAA run for USF?
stay connected with USF Men’s Tennis for real-time updates and schedules as the season unfolds.
Apr 14 – apr 20
AAC Championships (Orlando, FL)
Neutral
Postseason
All dates are subject to change pending weather and conference adjustments.
USF Bulls Reveal 2026 Spring Tennis Schedule
Date released: December 16 2025 – USF Athletics Office
2026 Spring Tennis Calendar at a Glance
| Week | Date (2026) | Opponent | Location | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Feb 3 | University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) | Away | non‑conference Power |
| 2 | Feb 10 | University of miami (Coral Gables, FL) | home | Non‑conference Rival |
| 3 | Feb 17 | Georgia Tech (Atlanta, GA) | Away | Non‑conference Challenge |
| 4 | Feb 24 | UCF Knights | Home | AAC‑Conference Opener |
| 5 | Mar 3 | SMU Mustangs | Away | AAC Showdown |
| 6 | Mar 10 | Tulane Green Wave | Home | AAC Dual Meet |
| 7 | Mar 17 | memphis Tigers | Away | AAC Clash |
| 8 | Mar 24 | East Carolina Pirates | Home | AAC Finale |
| 9 | Apr 1 – Apr 7 | ACC/SEC Invitational (Birmingham, AL) | Neutral | Tournament |
| 10 | Apr 14 – Apr 20 | AAC Championships (Orlando, FL) | Neutral | Postseason |
All dates are subject to change pending weather and conference adjustments.
Highlighted Non‑Conference Rivals
- University of Florida Gators – Frist meet of the season; a high‑stakes test against one of the SECS top‑10 teams.
- University of miami Hurricanes – Classic floridian rivalry; matches played on USF’s indoor hard courts, crucial for early‑season ranking points.
- Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets – Chance to gauge USF’s performance against an ACC program known for aggressive baseline play.
Why these matchups matter
- Strength of Schedule (SOS): Facing power Five opponents boosts USF’s RPI and potential at‑large bids.
- Recruitment Magnet: High‑visibility contests attract prospective student‑athletes seeking competitive exposure.
- player Development: Diverse playing styles-from Florida’s serve‑and‑volley to Georgia Tech’s defensive resilience-prepare Bulls for AAC competition.
AAC Showdown: Core Conference Battles
| Opponent | Key Storyline | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| UCF Knights | Defending AAC regular‑season champion | USF Athletic Complex |
| SMU Mustangs | Classic “Florida vs. Texas” rivalry | SMU Tennis Center |
| tulane Green Wave | First AAC double‑header for Bulls this season | Tulane Tennis Facility |
| Memphis Tigers | Southern‑regional power clash | Liberty Bowl Tennis Courts |
| East Carolina Pirates | Season‑ending conference duel | USF Outdoor Courts |
strategic focus for the AAC stretch
- Depth Rotation: Coaches plan a 6‑player rotation to manage fatigue across back‑to‑back dual meets.
- Surface Adaptation: Transition from indoor hard to outdoor green clay (UCF) and back to hard (SMU) tests athletes’ versatility.
- Conference Points: Each AAC win contributes directly to the Bulls’ seeding for the AAC championships in Orlando.
Player Spotlight: returning Leaders
- Sophomore Singles no. 2 – Maya Torres (3.85 GPA, ITA No. 48) – fresh off a semifinal finish at the 2025 ITA Spring National Championships.
- Junior Dual‑Match Captain – liam patel – Holds a 12‑3 record in AAC play; praised for clutch tiebreak performance against houston in 2025.
Both players will anchor the lineup in singles (1 & 2) and double (1) throughout the spring schedule.
Benefits for Prospective Recruits
- Competitive Calendar: The 2026 schedule blends elite Power Five opponents with a robust AAC slate, ensuring year‑round match play against top‑ranked teams.
- State‑of‑the‑Art Facilities: USF’s newly renovated indoor hard courts feature climate control, video analysis pods, and a dedicated strength & conditioning suite.
- Academic Excellence: The Bulls maintain a 3.6 average GPA across the tennis roster, underscoring USF’s commitment to student‑athlete success.
Recruiting visits are scheduled during the ACC/SEC invitational weekend (April 1‑7).
Practical Tips for Fans and Alumni
- Ticket Packages: Purchase the “Spring Tennis Pass” for $45 to access all home dual meets and the ACC/SEC Invitational.
- Travel Guides: For away matches at UCF and SMU, the university offers discounted shuttle service from downtown Tampa.
- Live Streaming: Every match will be streamed on the AAC Network and USF Athletics YouTube channel; subscribe to receive real‑time alerts.
frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| When does the AAC championship begin? | The tournament kicks off on Saturday, April 14, with singles quarterfinals at 9:00 AM. |
| Can fans attend the neutral‑site ACC/SEC Invitational? | Yes-general admission starts at $10; seating is first‑come, first‑served. |
| What COVID‑19 protocols are in place? | Mandatory vaccination for players and staff; fans must present a negative test result within 48 hours of entry. |
| How can I follow player stats in real time? | The USF Athletics app provides live match stats, player bios, and post‑match interviews. |
Real‑World Example: 2025 Season Recap
During the 2025 spring campaign, USF defeated UCF 4‑1 on home court, marking the Bulls’ first AAC win over the Knights as 2022. The victory was driven by a 6‑2 doubles performance and a decisive singles upset by sophomore forward Jenna Lee over UCF’s top‑seeded player. This historic win illustrates how the 2026 schedule’s early conference match can set the tone for a championship run.
All times listed are local to the venue. For the most current schedule changes, visit the official USF Athletics website.
