The last time South Florida visited DePaul, the Bulls left Chicago with a CIB championship trophy. More than seven years later, the former conference rivals are returning to Wintrust Arena with two familiar coaches on the sidelines.
Tonight’s college basketball matchup between USF and DePaul reunites Chris Mack and Chris Holtmann, who faced each other eight times between 2014 and 2017 when Mack coached Xavier and Holtmann led Butler. Mack won five of those meetings, and the two will square off for the first time in nearly a decade on Thursday night.
Mack is now in his first season at South Florida, taking over a program that finished 25-9 last year, won both the American Conference regular season and tournament titles, and earned an NCAA Tournament berth. However, the Bulls underwent a nearly complete roster overhaul following that successful campaign.
USF added 12 transfers and three freshmen, with Josh Omojafo being the lone player returning from last year’s squad. Omojafo, who averaged 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds last season, was granted additional eligibility in October, providing Mack with some much-needed continuity.
The new-look Bulls made an impressive first impression Monday, defeating Charleston Southern 98-71 in Mack’s debut. North Carolina transfer Zayden High scored a career-high 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while former Toledo guard Sonny Wilson contributed 19 points and six assists. Five USF players finished in double figures.
DePaul, meanwhile, is entering its third season under Holtmann after finishing 16-16 last year, including an 8-12 record in Big East play. The Blue Demons return seven players, led by preseason All-Big East selection Layden Blocker, who averaged 11.1 points per game last season.
Holtmann also strengthened his roster through the transfer portal, bringing in six new players, including former San Diego State big man Magoon Gwath, the 2025 Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
The Blue Demons opened their season with a 75-58 home victory over West Georgia on Monday, although they trailed 31-29 at halftime before pulling away in the second half. Koree Cotton led DePaul with 20 points, while Gwath added 19 points, six rebounds and two blocks.
Thursday also marks the first meeting between these programs since the 2019 College Basketball Invitational championship series. South Florida defeated DePaul in three games, clinching the title with a 77-65 victory at Wintrust Arena. DePaul leads the all-time series 16-14, but the Bulls have won 10 of the last 11 meetings.
Both teams enter Thursday’s contest at 1-0, with tipoff scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET on truTV.
South Florida vs. DePaul Odds Today
DePaul is a 6.5-point favorite over South Florida at Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook:
- Point Spread: DePaul -6.5 (-110) | South Florida +6.5 (-110)
- Winner: DePaul -300 | South Florida +240
- Total: Over 149.5 (-115) | Under 149.5 (-105)
Referenced odds subject to change.
South Florida vs. DePaul Prediction
South Florida +6.5 (-110): I’m taking the points with South Florida on Thursday night.
For starters, DePaul shot just 39.3% from the field and 21.9% from three-point range in its victory over West Georgia, making only seven of 32 attempts from beyond the arc. The Blue Demons also relied heavily on getting to the free-throw line, where they converted 24 of 30 attempts.
That’s a concern against a South Florida team that was active on defense in its opener, recording 13 steals while committing only eight turnovers. The Bulls also had plenty of scoring depth on display, with seven different players connecting from three-point range.
The matchup inside will be important. Gwath gives DePaul a legitimate rim protector, and the Blue Demons have additional size with seven-footer Fabian Flores. South Florida will need to find ways to score without relying exclusively on opportunities around the basket.
There’s certainly some risk in backing a team playing its first road game under a new head coach, especially against P5 competition. But DePaul is also working in several important newcomers, and the Blue Demons’ offensive performance against West Georgia left plenty to be desired.
With 6.5 points to work with, I’m backing the Bulls to stay within the number.
- Best Bet: South Florida +6.5 (-110)
Betting Splits at Hard Rock Bet
- Winner: South Florida has attracted 88.2% of the tickets and 85.1% of the handle.
- Spread: South Florida +6.5 accounts for 77.9% of the bets and 85.2% of the money wagered.
- Total: Under 149.5 has received 66.7% of tickets but just 34.6% of the handle.
South Florida vs. DePaul Game Info
- šļø Location: Wintrust Arena – Chicago, Illinois
- š Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
- ā° Start Time: 8:30 p.m. ET
- šŗ Where to Watch: truTV
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