San Francisco unveiled its 2025-26 nonconference schedule as the Dons, led by head coach Chris Gerlufsen, aim to make their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2022.
“We feel like we’ve put together a challenging slate, full of opportunities to build our resume and prepare us for the highly competitive WCC,” Gerlufsen said via a press release.
The first Division I game certainly feels that way, with the Dons traveling east to Memphis on Nov. 8. As always, Memphis brought in a talented transfer class with the likes of Dug McDaniel, Aaron Bradshaw and Sincere Parker.
Following the tough nonconference matchup, the Dons have a three-game homestand, featuring Portland State, Bradley and Northwestern State. The highlight of this stretch is Bradley, a program that has consistently competed for a postseason spot in recent years. The Braves will be hoping for a big year from sophomore Jaquan Johnson, who averaged 6.6 points per game in an All-MVC Freshman Team season.
San Francisco will meet Minnesota in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in a matchup with throwback roots to the 1940s. For the Dons, the contest offers another test as Gerlufsen’s squad looks to build an NCAA Tournament resume.
Following their trip to the Midwest, the Dons will participate in a multi-team event. USF will participate in the Acrisure Series in Palm Desert, California. Game 1 will be against Colorado, and the second game will be against either Nevada or Washington, depending on the results.
After a quick stop back home against North Alabama, the Dons will travel east for a tough matchup at Mississippi State. Technically, this game is a neutral-site matchup in Tupelo, Mississippi.
After its final road game in the nonconference at Saint Louis, San Francisco returns home for its final two games before West Coast Conference play. Loyola Chicago will be a tough opponent, as always, out of the A-10, and Morgan State will come to San Francisco for the final nonconference matchup.
