The team’s hopes of a deep run in the 2026 March Madness hinge on contributions from veteran guards and bench play now that Brown — a projected NBA lottery pick — won’t be on the floor.

Without his scoring punch and playmaking, coach Pat Kelsey’s squad must lean even harder on slashing guard Ryan Conwell and a balanced attack to overcome South Florida Bulls in their matchup at the Round of 64.

Why won’t Mikel Brown play against South Florida?

Mikel Brown Jr. won’t play in Louisville’s NCAA Tournament opener against South Florida because he’s dealing with a lingering back injury that has kept him out of recent games and forced him off the court for this matchup.

The University of Louisville announced that the star freshman guard will be unavailable for Thursday’s Round of 64 game, citing the lower back issue that first flared up earlier this season and has limited his availability down the stretch.

He has missed multiple contests recently as Louisville managed without him late in the regular season and during the ACC Tournament due to this same injury. The Cardinals’ medical staff and coaching staff opted to hold him out rather than risk further aggravation, especially with their NCAA hopes on the line.

His absence is significant: He is a key piece of the Louisville Cardinals men’s basketball team offense and one of the team’s top scorers and playmakers this season. Without him, their rotation and rhythm will look noticeably different.

How long will Mikel Brown be out?

Mikel Brown is expected to miss at least the opening weekend of the NCAA Tournament and won’t play against South Florida, and current reports indicate he could also be unavailable if Louisville advances to the Round of 32.

According to the team’s official statement, he’ll remain out “the rest of this week” even if the Cardinals move past their first game — meaning there’s no firm timeline for his return yet.

At this stage, Louisville has not provided a specific return date beyond this tournament weekend. Coach Pat Kelsey and staff have been cautious, prioritizing his long‑term health over a rushed comeback.

That said, some reports note it’s possible he could be available later in the tournament if the Cardinals advance and if his back responds well in the coming days but nothing has been confirmed.

Golesh is coming off a sensational year with the South Florida Bulls. Though the school fell short of the American Championship Game, the Bulls recorded a 9-3 record (6-2 conference) while taking down two ranked programs in the NCAA. Although the Bulls have earned bowl eligibility, Golesh won’t be on campus for that game, as he is headed to Auburn.

After three seasons in Tampa, Golesh is now moving to the next chapter in his coaching career. As he leaves town, he posted a brief, one-word reaction about his time with the University of South Florida.

“Grateful,” Golesh stated through his X account (formerly Twitter), along with a horns emoji and a picture of him and his family after the 52-3 victory against the Rice Owls.

Golesh record with USF

Through three college football campaigns with the Bulls, Golesh led the program to three straight winning seasons, including two bowl victories. As he walks away from the school in Cigar City, Golesh leaves behind a 23-15 record.

Golesh accomplished quite the turnaround for South Florida. Over the previous four years, the Bulls had gone 8-37—including two one-win seasons. With Golesh out of the picture, the school must find the perfect replacement to keep the vibes high.

Auburn looking to end losing seasons hex

With Golesh entering the picture, the Tigers have reason to believe the worst may be behind them. Coming off five straight losing seasons in the NCAA, Golesh will be tasked with righting the ship at Auburn. Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze couldn’t, but Golesh will hope for better luck as he takes over the reins.

With Auburn falling just short of the six-win quota to make a bowl game appearance ensues Golesh will have extra time to get to work in Auburn. In order to turn the tide, he will need all the time he can get.

[Watch South Florida vs San Jose State online for FREE in the US on Fubo]

The Hawai’i Bowl promises excitement as the South Florida Bulls face off against the San Jose State Spartans, with the Bulls listed as 3.5-point underdogs. With the over/under set at 63, the stage is set for a high-scoring showdown that could light up the scoreboard.

San Jose State enter the matchup riding the momentum of a dramatic 34-31 win over Stanford, showcasing their ability to thrive in pressure situations. On the other side, South Florida aim to bounce back after a hard-fought 35-28 loss in their last game.

When will the South Florida vs San Jose State match be played?

South Florida take on San Jose State this Tuesday, December 24th, in the highly anticipated 2024 Hawai’i Bowl. The game will kick off at 2:30 PM (ET).

South Florida vs San Jose State: Time by State in the USA

ET: 2:30 PM

CT: 1:30 PM

MT: 12:30 PM

PT: 11:30 AM

How to watch South Florida vs San Jose State in the USA

Catch the 2024 college football clash between South Florida and San Jose State live on Fubo (free trial). Alternatively, you can tune in to ESPN.

[Watch Alabama vs South Florida online free in the US on Fubo]

Alabama recently lost to the Texas Longhorns by 24-34 in what was their first loss of the season, they were No. 3 at the time of the loss and are now No. 10, so far everything looks good for them after a loss against a big team.

The Bulls began the season with a loss against Western Kentucky by 24-41 but during Week 2 they won at home against No. 23 (FCS) Florida A&M at home by 38-24.

When will Alabama vs South Florida be played?

Alabama and South Florida play for the 2023 NCAA DI Football season today, September 16 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. The visitors are desperate to forget a recent defeat and are willing to do anything for a victory.

Alabama vs South Florida: Time by state in the US

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Alabama vs South Florida in the US

This game for the 2023 NCAA DI Football season, Alabama and South Florida at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday, September 16, will be broadcast in the US by Fubo (7-day free trial) and other options to watch this game in the US is ABC.

The Wildcats began the current 2022 season with a 2-0 win against the University of Illinois Chicago at home. That was the first win of 19 no-loss games for the Wildcats, the most recent victory coming against James Madison 2-0 during the Sun Belt Conference Championship game.

The Bulls also lost their conference championship game, they lost to FIU 0-2 after winning against Charlotte and SMU in the ACC Tournament. But the good news is that now they have a shot at the 2022 NCAA Tournament.

Kentucky vs South Florida: Date

Kentucky and South Florida play for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Second Round on Sunday, November 20 at Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington. Both teams lost big games before entering the tournament, but the good news is that they both have good records.

Kentucky vs South Florida: Time by state in the US

ET: 6:00 PM
CT: 5:00 PM
MT: 4:00 PM
PT: 3:00 PM

TV Channel in the US to watch Kentucky vs South Florida at the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Second Round

This game for the 2022 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Tournament Second Round, Kentucky and South Florida at the Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington on Sunday, November 20, will be broadcast in the US by FuboTV (7-day free trial). and other options to watch this game in the US is ESPN+

If you want to know all the channels, packages and plans offered by FuboTV, you can click here

The South Florida Bulls lost in Week 1 against NC State 45-0 on the road in a horrible game where the defense was lousy and they allowed four touchdowns. Another negative thing about that first game of the season was the quarterbacks, Fortin and McClain couldn’t do anything to score.

The Gators won the first game of the season at home against Florida Atlantic 35-14 in what was a relatively easy game for the home team. The Gators won the first and second half, but FL Atlantic scored a pair of touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

South Florida vs Florida: Match Information

Date: Saturday, September 11, 2021.
Time: 1:00 PM (ET)
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida.

South Florida vs Florida: Times by State in the US

ET: 1:00 PM
CT: 12:00 PM
MT: 11:00 AM
PT: 10:00 AM

South Florida vs Florida: Storylines

Cade Fortin as a starting quarterback doesn’t seem like the one for the job after a dismal performance in the first game of the season with 7/20 passes completed for 35%, 41 pass yards, no touchdowns and one interception. The Bulls have five quarterbacks available for this 2021 NCAA season, they still have time to test other players if necessary.

The Gators are ready to face a tight schedule after this game against the Bulls as they begin a round of seven straight games in the SEC. The first game against an SEC rival will be against Alabama in Week 3 on September 18.

The last game between them was a Gators win at home by 38-14 in 2010 when things were different for the home team defense. The Gators are still playing as good as before, but the Bulls have a couple of new weapons for the 2021 NCAA Football season.

How To Watch Or Stream Live Free South Florida vs Florida in the U.S.

This 2021-22 NCAA College Football season week 2 game will be available for TV and smartphones and will be broadcast in the United States by: ABC, ABC App, ABC.com. Don’t forget to download the app to watch the game on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

South Florida vs Florida: Predictions And Odds

South Florida are underdogs at home with +28.5 ATS and +1400 moneyline. In 2010 they lost by 24 points against the Gators, and in the 2020 season with seven losses they conceded an average of -17.5 points. Florida Gators are favorites with -28.5, they have a powerful offense but are unlikely to cover all the points. The best pick for this College Football game is: South Florida +28.5 ATS.

* Odds via FanDuel