Wichita State vs South Florida Prediction 1/18/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The South Florida Bulls and the Wichita State Shockers will meet on Sunday afternoon in an AAC matchup at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida.

South Florida Bulls Betting Preview

The South Florida Bulls enter Wednesday’s contest with a 11–6 overall win-loss record, including a 7–1 mark at home and a 3-1 record in conference play. The Bulls have compiled wins over Florida A&M, Coppin State, Kennesaw State, Western Kentucky, Utah State, and Charleston, while dropping games to George Washington, Oklahoma State, VCU, and the Colorado State Rams. In the South Florida Bulls thrilling 97-91 overtime win over the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers earlier this season, South Florida guard Joseph Pinion amassed 16 points (4 of 11 shooting from three-point range), 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block illustrating his ability to lead the Bulls backcourt.

The South Florida Bulls average 89.3 points (12th in country) on 43.8 percent shooting from the field and 33.1 percent shooting from three-point range per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Bulls are allowing opponents 81.1 points per contest.

Senior forward Izaiyah Nelson has been a strong presence in the paint for the South Florida Bulls, averaging 16.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks per game. Senior guard Josh Omojafo is averaging 13.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1 steal per contest. Senior guard Joseph Pinion provides the Bulls additional backcourt depth averaging 14.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.9 steals and 1.4 assists a game.

Wichita State Shockers Betting Preview

The Wichita State Shockers enter Thursday evening’s contest with a 10–8 record, including a 2-3 mark in conference play and a 2–3 record on the road. Wichita State has compiled wins over teams such as UAB, Eastern Kentucky, Wofford and the Northern Iowa Panthers, while dropping games to Charlotte, Rice and the DePaul Blue Demons. Earlier this month, in Wichita State’s 66–64 loss to the Rice Owls, Wichita State guard Michael Gray Jr. tallied 25 points (5 of 12 shooting from the field), 10 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal showcasing his ability to be a strong presence in the paint for the Shockers.

The Wichita State Shockers average 76.6 points on 43.8 percent shooting from the field and 35.2 percent shooting from the three-point line per game. On the defensive side of the basketball, the Shockers are allowing opponents 69.8 points per contest which ranks 71st in the country.

Senior guard Kenyon Giles has been a solid performer for the Wichita State Shockers in 2025 averaging 18.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Senior forward Karon Boyd provides the Shockers with a strong interior presence averaging 10.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.7 blocks per contest.

Why the South Florida Bulls Will Win

•             High powered offense. In eight games played this season, the South Florida Bulls are averaging 89.3 points per game which ranks 12th in the nation.

•             Multiple scoring options. Josh Omojafo, Joseph Pinion and Izaiyah Nelson can carry the offense.

•            Home court advantage. The South Florida Bulls are 7–1 at home this season.

Why the Wichita State Shockers Will Win

•             Ability to win on the road. The Wichita State Shockers are 2-3 on the road this season.

•             Quality guard play. Senior guard Kenyon Giles has been a standout performer for Wichita State in 2025 averaging 18.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.4 steals per game. 

•             Defensive edge. The Shockers are allowing opponents 69.8 points per contest which ranks 71st in the nation. Conversely, the South Florida Bulls are allowing 81.1 points per contest.

South Florida Bulls vs. Wichita State Shockers Prediction

This matchup features South Florida’s home court edge, offensive rebounding and quality perimeter shooting against a Wichita State team that has struggled to find consistency in conference play. Additionally, the Shockers are coming off the team’s worst loss of the season. For me, the more reliable side is South Florida, whose physicality and home environment should carry them through 40 minutes of play.

Hans Geevers's Pick: South Florida -7.5