Bryan Hodgson’s Homecoming: USF Heads to NCAA Tournament in Buffalo

South Florida’s run to the NCAA tournament sent the Bulls to Buffalo, turning a coaching assignment into Bryan Hodgson’s homecoming. The team gathered in KeyBank Center for a Wednesday news conference, about 70 miles from Hodgson’s childhood home in Olean, N.Y.

Homecoming and family

Hodgson said 38 family members planned to attend the first-round game. His father, who has dementia, will see him coach in person for the first time at this level.

Hodgson was placed in foster care at age two and later adopted by Larry and Rebecca Hodgson. He still bears scars from childhood abuse and said the marks remind him of his past.

Coaching journey

Hodgson is 38 and in his third season as a head coach. This year is his first leading South Florida.

He previously spent 2015 to 2019 as an assistant at the University at Buffalo under Nate Oats. He also played two seasons at Jamestown Community College and later coached there. He has coaching experience at Fredonia State as well.

Team milestone

South Florida captured its first American Athletic Conference tournament title by beating Wichita State. The victory extended the Bulls’ winning streak to 11 games.

The program returns to the NCAA tournament for the first time since 2012. This is Hodgson’s first NCAA appearance as a head coach.

Bracket and matchup

USF earned the No. 11 seed and will face No. 6 Louisville on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET. Players described the Buffalo site as nearly a home game for the coach.

Personal reflections

The night before the conference final, a friend called Hodgson predicting a trip to Buffalo. He called the moment “full circle” and credited his faith and parents for his path.

Hodgson also joked about his parents’ role in his life and career. He noted having a 2-year-old son has deepened his perspective on fatherhood and the past.

Coach on the market

Hodgson is a candidate for other head coaching vacancies. For now, his focus is on preparing South Florida for the NCAA tournament game in Buffalo.

• Event: South Florida vs. Louisville, Thursday at 1:30 p.m. ET.
• Seedings: USF No. 11, Louisville No. 6.
• Key facts: First AAC tournament title for the Bulls; 11-game win streak; first NCAA trip since 2012.
• Hodgson: Born in Olean, N.Y.; former assistant at UB (2015–2019); adopted by Larry and Rebecca Hodgson.

Filmogaz.com will follow Hodgson’s return to Western New York and South Florida’s opening-round appearance in the NCAA tournament. The matchup in Buffalo carries personal and program significance.