Photo Credit: USF Oracle
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As the calendar turns to mid-February 2026, the USF Bulls are preparing to embark on their second season under head coach Mitch Hannahs. Following a transformative 2025 campaign that saw the program return to relevance, the Bulls are no longer just looking for improvement—they are hunting for hardware.
The road to the 2026 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Championship begins Friday at USF Baseball Stadium, and the lessons of the past are serving as the foundation for the future.
The Foundation: Year One Reflected
Mitch Hannahs arrived in Tampa after a storied tenure at Indiana State, chosen over local favorite Joe Urso (who ultimately remained at the University of Tampa). Hannahs’ impact was immediate. USF finished 2025 with a 31–25 record, a significant leap from a sub-.500 finish in 2024.
The season ended in heartbreak, falling to East Carolina in the AAC semifinals, but the groundwork was laid.
“The entire first year was a learning curve for all of us,” Hannahs noted during a recent press conference. “It’s easy to look at the successes, but you truly grow from the ‘bad stuff.’ We had lows that this team must learn from.”
Hannahs specifically pointed to two frustrating series against UCF and Villanova. In both instances, the Bulls took the Friday night opener but dropped the following two games. Correcting those weekend “drop-offs” has been a primary focus of the 2026 offseason.
Next Man Up: Navigating the Roster Overhaul
The Bulls must navigate significant departures this spring. The 2025 MLB Draft was a testament to the program’s development, as three key arms—Corey Braun (Athletics), Austin Newton (Rockies), and Bryce Archie (Reds)—were selected. Additionally, veteran infielder Sebastian Grieco has exhausted his eligibility.
To fill the void, USF has welcomed 20 new players, including 11 true freshmen. This influx of youth has placed a premium on leadership.
- The New Captain: Senior catcher Lance Trippel has emerged as the vocal heart of the clubhouse. “I noticed during the offseason that the team needed a new leadership threshold,” Trippel said.
- Player-Led Initiative: Trippel and infielder Bradke Lohry took charge early, organizing player-led practices a full week before the coaching staff officially reported for duty.
The 2026 Slate: Staying in the Sun
The Bulls’ 2026 schedule is designed for an early-season momentum build, as the team will play their first 25 games within the state of Florida.
| Phase | Key Opponents | Location |
| Opening Weekend | Illinois Fighting Illini | Tampa, FL |
| February Homestand | NDSU, Georgia Southern | Tampa, FL |
| The Rivalry | UCF Knights (War on I-4) | Orlando, FL (Feb 27–Mar 1) |
| Non-Conference Tests | Miami, Florida State | Various |
| Conference Home Series | Rice, Memphis, UAB, Wichita State | Tampa, FL |
The regular season will conclude with a high-stakes home series against Wichita State from May 14–16.
The Road to Clearwater
The eyes of the conference will remain on the Tampa Bay area as the postseason nears. The AAC Championship is scheduled for May 20–24 at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater. For Hannahs and the Bulls, the goal is simple: ensure that this time, they aren’t just watching the final game from the dugout, but playing in it.
How do you think the USF Bulls will do in baseball in 2026? Leave a comment below.
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Author Profile
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Bradley Walker serves as the Director of Operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a co-host on the P&W Sports Report and hosting The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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