Which conference do USF athletic teams belong to?

The correct choice reflects that the University of South Florida (USF) athletic teams are members of The American Athletic Conference, commonly known as The American. This conference was established in 2013, and USF joined it at that time, positioning it competitively in various NCAA sports.

The American Athletic Conference plays a crucial role in promoting athletic excellence and provides a platform for student-athletes from member institutions to showcase their talents. Being part of this conference also enables USF teams to compete against a variety of other universities, enhancing their visibility and recruitment capabilities.

The other choices represent different collegiate athletic conferences. The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) and the Big Ten are known for their strong athletic programs, particularly in sports like football and basketball, but they do not include USF. Similarly, while Conference USA has historically included various teams from different regions, USF is not a member of that conference any longer, having transitioned to The American. This context helps clarify why The American is the correct answer regarding USF's current association in collegiate athletics.