Canada’s Tristan Beckford Set to Shine at South Florida in 2025/26 NCAA Season

The pipeline of Canadian basketball talent to NCAA programs continues to grow, and this season, all eyes will be on Tristan Beckford. The 6’5 forward from Vaughan, Ontario, has committed to the University of South Florida (USF), bringing with him a reputation as one of the top Canadian high school prospects in the 2025 recruiting class.

For Beckford, this marks the latest step in a development journey that began at Fort Erie International Academy, one of the top prep programs in Canada. Known for its strong coaching staff and elite-level exposure, Fort Erie has helped launch the careers of several Division 1 athletes, and Beckford’s name now joins that list.

From Arkansas State to USF: A Strategic Switch

Beckford initially signed with Arkansas State in December 2024. He was considered the highest-rated recruit in the program’s history. But when Arkansas State head coach Bryan Hodgson accepted the head coaching role at USF in March 2025, Beckford made the decision to follow him to Tampa. His commitment to the Bulls was confirmed shortly after, cementing his place in one of the most talked-about mid-major recruiting classes in recent years.

That move wasn’t just about loyalty. Hodgson’s system suits Beckford’s strengths, open-court play, fast tempo, and defensive versatility. At USF, Beckford will be able to showcase his athleticism and work rate from the get-go.

International Experience on Display

Beckford has already made his mark on the international stage. At the 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, he was a key contributor for Team Canada, averaging 13.3 points and 7.3 rebounds per game. His performances helped Canada secure a bronze medal and caught the attention of scouts across North America.

This isn’t just window dressing. Competing at FIBA tournaments prepares players for the physicality, speed, and tactics they’ll face in NCAA competition. Beckford’s ability to perform at that level suggests he won’t be overwhelmed at any point.

What Beckford Brings to USF

Beckford arrives at USF with a mature game. He’s a capable scorer from mid-range and in transition, a solid rebounder for his size, and an active defender. While he may not be the primary scoring option from day one, his versatility makes him a plug-and-play option for Coach Hodgson, and you can expect sports betting Canada specifically, to reflect this thinking with their NCAA odds.

The Bulls are in a rebuilding phase, aiming to climb the ranks in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), a league that straddles the line between gih-major and mid-major basketball. Beckford’s development will be crucial if ISF hopes to push towards postseason contention.

Canadian Representation Grows

Beckford is part of a growing number of Canadian players bypassing traditional powerhouses to make an impact at programs where they can contribute immediately. This approach has paid off for other Canadians in recent years. It reflects a larger trend of top international recruits trusting in coaching fit and role availability over conference status alone.

Final Word

Tristan Beckford's commitment to USF is more than just a recruiting headline; it's the beginning of a promising mid-major career. With international experience and a strong high school pedigree, and a clear opportunity for major impact, he's poised to become a standout story in the 2025/26 NCAA season.