TAMPA, Fla. (April 20, 2026) – Right-handed sophomore pitcher Kaden Smith got his fourth start of the season on the mound for South Florida on Sunday, April 19th. The Bulls were down two games to none in a three-game series against the UAB Blazers, and Smith helped South Florida secure a win to avoid the sweep.
 
The former TCU Horned Frog is in his first season as a Bull. He made the deepest start of his collegiate career on Sunday, throwing 7.0 complete innings. Smith allowed just two hits and three walks in that time. This is his first collegiate quality start.
 
The Sunday starter spot has appeared to be up for grabs throughout the season, but the Bulls may now finally have their guy. As we are officially halfway through conference play, South Florida sits in fifth place in the American.
 
Looking ahead, the Bulls head to DeLand for round two against Stetson on Tuesday, April 21st. South Florida defeated the Hatters at home back in March 12-4. Then, the Bulls head north to East Carolina to face the Pirates, who eliminated them from the conference tournament last year. It will be a three-game series against ECU, starting on Friday, April 24th.
 
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About USF Baseball
The University of South Florida baseball program, founded in 1966, enters its 61st season in 2026 as a member of the American Conference. Head coach Mitch Hannahs returns for his second year after leading the Bulls to 32 wins in his debut—USF's most since 2018—and 16 victories in conference play, their best league performance since joining the American.
 
USF has made 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a Super Regional run in 2021. The Bulls have won five conference tournament titles and six regular season championships.
 
The program has produced 134 MLB Draft picks, including three in 2025. Notable alumni include two-time MLB All-Star and 2018 first-round pick Shane McClanahan, 2022 fifth-round pick Orion Kerkering, and Washington Nationals starting pitcher Brad Lord. Bulls players have earned 12 All-America and 19 Freshman All-America honors.
– #GoBulls –