The American Conference enters the 2026 season with several programs undergoing major changes. Tulane reached the College Football Playoff last season, while Navy and North Texas also finished in the Top 25, but coaching departures and transfer-portal movement have reshaped the conference.
Navy and Army bring valuable continuity, while UTSA returns one of the conference’s best quarterbacks in Owen McCown. Memphis, South Florida, Tulane and North Texas begin new coaching eras, creating opportunities for several programs to move into contention.
Here is Sportsvival’s look at every American Conference team entering the 2026 season.
1. Navy
Navy must replace quarterback Blake Horvath and several important offensive playmakers, but the Midshipmen return four offensive line starters and five defensive starters. New quarterback Braxton Woodson has the athleticism to succeed in the option attack, while a favorable conference schedule gives Navy an excellent opportunity to remain near the top of the standings.
2. UTSA
UTSA possesses one of the conference’s most explosive offenses behind quarterback Owen McCown, running back Will Henderson III and receivers David Amador II and AJ Wilson. The Roadrunners return four offensive line starters, but a defense bringing back only two starters must develop quickly.
3. Memphis
Charles Huff takes over a Memphis roster returning only one starter, but the Tigers added a large and talented transfer class. Quarterbacks Marcus Stokes and Air Noland provide intriguing options, while defensive lineman J’Mond Tapp, linebacker Michael Montgomery and safety Ian Foster followed Huff from Southern Miss.
4. Army
Quarterback Cale Hellums returns after rushing for 1,223 yards and 18 touchdowns, giving Army an experienced leader for its powerful option attack. Running back Godspower Nwawuihe and five returning offensive line starters strengthen the offense, but the Black Knights must replace several important defensive contributors.
5. East Carolina
East Carolina lost quarterback Katin Houser and several defensive standouts, but Blake Harrell has established a strong culture in Greenville. Emory Williams and Mitch Griffis are competing at quarterback, while new offensive coordinator Jordan Davis should bring creativity to an offense featuring Brock Spalding, Ashton Gray and Landon Sides.
6. South Florida
Former Ohio State offensive coordinator Brian Hartline takes over a South Florida roster returning only three starters. Michael Van Buren Jr. and Luke Kromenhoek will compete at quarterback, while transfers C.J. Hicks, Asani Redwood and Grayson Howard give the rebuilt defense significant potential.
7. Tulane
Tulane enters 2026 after winning the American Conference and reaching the College Football Playoff. New coach Will Hall must find a quarterback and rebuild the offensive line, but running back Jamauri McClure and safety Jack Tchienchou give the Green Wave two of the conference’s most talented players.
8. Temple
Temple made noticeable progress during K.C. Keeler’s first season and came within a few plays of reaching a bowl game. Jaxon Smolik and Ajani Sheppard are competing at quarterback, while running back Sam Brown V, tight end Peter Clarke and four returning offensive line starters give the Owls an experienced offensive foundation.
9. Florida Atlantic
Quarterback Caden Veltkamp and receiver Easton Messer return after helping Florida Atlantic lead the country in passing offense. The Owls should continue producing big plays, but they must reduce their turnovers and improve a defense that allowed 37.1 points per conference game.
10. Tulsa
Tulsa showed encouraging progress during Tre Lamb’s first season, including victories over Oklahoma State and Army. Quarterback Baylor Hayes gives the Golden Hurricane a promising offensive leader, while Elijah Green, Zach Williams and Chris Thompson Jr. provide experience on defense.
11. North Texas
North Texas must rebuild after coach Eric Morris and several leading players departed for Oklahoma State following a 12-win season. New coach Neal Brown has experience building successful Group of Six programs, but the Mean Green enter 2026 with no returning starters and significant questions throughout the lineup.
12. Rice
Former Miami and UCF quarterback Jacurri Brown takes over an option-based Rice offense that also returns running back Quinton Jackson. The Owls should be more comfortable during their second season under Scott Abell, but a defense returning only two starters must improve.
13. UAB
Alex Mortensen takes over permanently after providing UAB with a late-season spark in 2025. Quarterback Ryder Burton and running backs Roderick Robinson II and Braylon McReynolds give the offense potential, but the Blazers must rebuild a defense that allowed 38.3 points per game.
14. Charlotte
Charlotte is looking for progress after winning only one game during Tim Albin’s first season. Cole Gonzales, Conner Harrell and Grayson Loftis are competing at quarterback, while linebacker Kadin Schmitz leads a defense that must improve against both the run and pass.
American Conference Championship Prediction
Navy 31, UTSA 27
UTSA’s explosive offense and experienced quarterback Owen McCown will keep the Roadrunners within striking distance throughout the championship game. Navy, however, will control possession behind its experienced offensive line and disciplined rushing attack.
Braxton Woodson will make several important plays with his legs, while the Midshipmen produce a late defensive stop to secure the 2026 American Conference championship.
Sportsvival’s 2026 Preseason First-Team All-American Conference
The American Conference features proven stars, experienced veterans and several emerging players ready to take on larger roles. Sportsvival’s preseason selections are based on previous production, individual talent, projected roles and the impact each player could make during the 2026 season.
Offense
QB, Owen McCown, UTSA
RB, Jahiem White, North Texas
RB, Jamauri McClure, Tulane
All-Purpose, Will Henderson III, UTSA
WR, Easton Messer, Florida Atlantic
WR, JoJo Bermudez, Temple
WR, David Amador II, UTSA
WR, Brock Spalding, East Carolina
TE, Peter Clarke, Temple
C, Brady Small, Army
OL, Adam Lepkowski, UAB
OL, Cam Nichols, Navy
OL, Eric King, Temple
OL, Vincent Fiacable, Florida Atlantic
Defense
DL, J’Mond Tapp, Memphis
DL, C.J. Doggette Jr., Florida Atlantic
DL, Jack Bousum, Army
DL, Jasiyah Robinson, East Carolina
LB, MarcAnthony Parker, Navy
LB, Leon Hart, Florida Atlantic
LB, Curly Ordonez, Temple
LB, Michael Montgomery, Memphis
DB, Elijah Green, Tulsa
DB, Zach Williams, Tulsa
DB, Jack Tchienchou, Tulane
DB, Ian Foster, Memphis
Specialists
K, Nico Gramatica, South Florida
P, Caile Hogan, UTSA
Kick Returner, Jaylin Lucas, Tulane
Punt Returner, Easton Messer, Florida Atlantic
These selections represent the talent found throughout the American Conference. Established players such as Owen McCown, Brady Small, C.J. Doggette Jr. and Jack Tchienchou are joined by transfers and emerging standouts prepared to play major roles during the 2026 season.
Final Thoughts
The American Conference enters 2026 without one team clearly separated from the rest. Navy and Army benefit from continuity, UTSA possesses an experienced quarterback and Memphis has assembled an intriguing transfer class. East Carolina, South Florida and Tulane also have enough talent to remain important factors.
Roster turnover will define the conference throughout the season. The teams that establish chemistry and find dependable quarterback play will have the best opportunity to emerge from what should be a competitive and unpredictable American Conference race.