The 2025 American Conference football season promises to be a thrilling battle, with a deep field of contenders vying for the conference crown and the Group of Five’s automatic College Football Playoff (CFP) berth. After a 2024 season that saw Army storm to an undefeated conference record and a 35-14 championship win over Tulane, the conference, officially renamed the American Conference on July 21, 2025, is brimming with talent and intrigue. The race is wide open, with six teams projected to have a realistic shot at the title, including perennial powers Tulane and Memphis and rising stars like the Navy and South Florida. Significant roster turnover, new head coaches at five programs, and high-stakes matchups against Power 4 opponents add complexity. Below, we rank all 14 teams based on their offseason developments, 2024 performance, and expectations for 2025, focusing on what makes each squad a contender or a question mark.
1.Tulane
2024 Recap: Tulane posted a 9-5 record (7-1 in conference), earning a third straight AAC Championship Game appearance but falling 35-14 to Army and 41-13 to Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl. A 1-2 nonconference start against Kansas State and Oklahoma was offset by an eight-game win streak, though a late-season loss to Memphis (34-24) cost them the top seed.
Offseason Changes: The Green Wave faced a significant talent drain, losing eight starters to Power 4 programs, including quarterback Darian Mensah (Duke), running back Makhi Hughes (Oregon), and top receivers. Coach Jon Sumrall, in his second year, countered with 20 FBS transfers, including quarterbacks Kadin Semonza (Ball State), Brendan Sullivan (Iowa), and Jake Retzlaff (BYU), who brings dual-threat ability (417 rushing yards, 12 interceptions at BYU).
The offensive line added All-Sun Belt center Jack Hollifield, while the defense, a top-24 unit in 2024, returns eight starters, led by edge rusher Maurice Westmoreland and linebacker Sam Howard.
2025 Expectations: Tulane tops the rankings with a 16.6% chance to win the AAC (SP+ rank: 48th) and an 8.5-win total (+105 over). Their defense, with a loaded front seven, should keep them elite, but the offense’s cohesion under Retzlaff or Semonza is a question mark. A brutal nonconference slate (Northwestern, Duke, Ole Miss) and road games at UTSA and Memphis (November 7) will test their depth. A fourth straight title game appearance and a CFP push are within reach if the offense gels.
2. Navy
2024 Recap: Navy surged to a 10-3 record (6-2 AAC), starting 6-0 with a 56-44 upset over Memphis and earning a top-25 AP ranking. Losses to Notre Dame and Rice were setbacks but wins over Army and Oklahoma (Armed Forces Bowl) secured their first winning season since 2019 and the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy.
Offseason Changes: Coach Brian Newberry returns eight offensive starters, including quarterback Blake Horvath (103.8 rushing yards per game, 30 total TDs) and slotback Eli Heidenreich (6.8 yards per carry). The defense, which allowed 22.2 points per game, retains five starters but loses linebackers Colin Ramos and Kyle Jacob. The secondary needs rebuilding, but nose guard Landon Robinson anchors the front.
2025 Expectations: With an 8.5-win total (-125 over) and a 12.0% AAC title chance (SP+ rank: 68th), Navy’s veteran offense and favorable schedule—no Tulane or UTSA—position them for another strong season. Key games at Memphis (November 27) and versus Army (December 13, nonconference) will define their ceiling. Horvath’s health is critical, but a title run and CFP contention are realistic.
3. Memphis
2024 Recap: Memphis went 11-2 (6-2 AAC), notching a second straight double-digit win season and a Frisco Bowl win over West Virginia (42-37). A marquee victory over Florida State was overshadowed by losses to Navy (56-44) and UTSA, which kept them out of the AAC Championship Game for the fifth straight year under Ryan Silverfield.
Offseason Changes: The Tigers face a massive rebuild (No. 115 in returning production), losing quarterback Seth Henigan, receivers Roc Taylor and Demeer Blankumsee, and linebacker Chandler Martin. Nevada transfer Brendon Lewis (3,517 career passing yards) is the projected quarterback, with transfer portal addition, CJ Smith adding explosiveness at receiver. The defense, average in 2024, returns four starters, including end William Whitlow Jr. (4.0 sacks), and adds 20 transfers like linebacker Sam Brumfield.
2025 Expectations: Memphis’s 8.5-win total (+115 over) and 16.4% AAC title chance (SP+ rank: 53rd) reflect their potential despite turnover. A home-heavy schedule, including Arkansas, Tulane, and Navy, favors their 7-0 home record at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Beating Arkansas and sweeping AAC rivals could secure a CFP berth, but offensive line cohesion and secondary depth are concerns.
4. South Florida
2024 Recap: South Florida finished 7-6 (4-4 AAC), rallying from a 1-4 start after quarterback Byrum Brown’s injury to win back-to-back bowl games for the first time since 2017-18. Losses to Power 4 teams (Alabama, Miami) highlighted defensive struggles (29.8 points allowed per game).
Offseason Changes: Coach Alex Golesh welcomes back eight starters on each side, including Brown (4,101 total yards in 2023) and receiver Keshaun Singleton. The offensive line, with five senior starters, is a strength, but the loss of the top three rushers and four receivers stings. Charlotte transfer Cartevious Norton bolsters the backfield. The defense, ranked No. 119 in total defense, returns linebackers Jhalyn Shuler and Mac Harris but needs improvement.
2025 Expectations: Facing a brutal non-conference slate (Boise State, Florida, Miami), South Florida is projected at 8-4 (7-1). Key games at Memphis (October 25) and Navy (November 15) will test their title hopes. If Brown elevates the offense and the defense improves, the Bulls could hit 9-3 and vie for a championship game spot, though their 7.7% title chance reflects a tough road.
5. Army
2024 Recap: Army stunned the conference with a 12-2 record (8-0 AAC), winning the AAC Championship over Tulane (35-14) in their first year as a member. They led the nation in rushing (300 yards per game) and ranked No. 5 in scoring defense (15.5 points allowed).
Offseason Changes: The loss of quarterback Bryson Daily (1,701 rushing yards, 32 TDs) and running back Kanye Udoh is significant. Dewayne Coleman takes over at quarterback, with Noah Short and Hayden Reed in the backfield. The offensive line, previously the Joe Moore Award winner, returns two starters. The defense loses edge rusher Elo Modozie (Georgia) but retains five starters, including corner Jaydan Mayes. 2025
Expectations: Army’s 7.5-win total (-150 over) and 11.7% title chance (SP+ rank: 67th) suggest a step back. Road games at Kansas State, Tulane, and UTSA, plus the Navy matchup, are tough. Coleman’s inexperience and a thinner offensive line could limit their triple-option attack, but their defense keeps them competitive.
6. UTSA
2024 Recap: UTSA went 7-6 (4-4 AAC), starting 2-4 but rallying to win five of their final seven games. Quarterback Owen McCown’s breakout (3,424 yards, 25 TDs) fueled a top offense, but the defense struggled (30+ points allowed per game).
Offseason Changes: McCown returns with seven offensive starters, including running back Robert Henry and four linemen. The defense, with zero returning starters, adds Power 4 transfers like linebackers Kendrick Blackshire (Alabama) and Shad Banks (TCU), but the secondary remains a concern.
2025 Expectations: With a 7.5-win total (-115 over) and 12.6% title chance (SP+ rank: 63rd), UTSA’s offense should shine, but defensive rebuilding is key. Home games against Tulane and Army are winnable, but road trips to Texas A&M and Colorado State pose challenges. A title run is possible if the defense gels.
7. East Carolina
2024 Recap: East Carolina finished 8-5 (5-3 AAC), surging to a 6-1 finish under interim coach Blake Harrell after a 2-4 start, capped by a Military Bowl win over NC State (26-21). Quarterback Katin Houser (2,006 yards, 18 TDs) sparked the offense.
Offseason Changes: Harrell, now permanent coach, returns seven starters on each side, including Houser and receivers Yannick Smith and Anthony Smith. The loss of rusher Rahjai Harris and a shaky offensive line (two starters back) are concerns. The defense, ranked No. 87 in SP+, needs new playmakers.
2025 Expectations: A 6.5-win total (+120 over) and 5.8% title chance (SP+ rank: 90th) reflect ECU’s potential as a spoiler. Nonconference games at NC State and BYU, plus AAC matchups against Army, Tulane, and Memphis, are tough. Houser’s growth could lead to a bowl game.
8. North Texas
2024 Recap: North Texas went 6-7 (3-5 AAC), with a high-powered passing attack offset by defensive struggles (No. 121 in SP+). Losses to Army and USF highlighted inconsistency.
Offseason Changes: New quarterback Reese Poffenbarger (FCS Albany) joins a revamped offense, with four starters back. The defense, with five returners, needs to improve after allowing 38.2 points per game. Coach Eric Morris’s job security is under scrutiny.
2025 Expectations: A 6.5-win total (-120 over) and 6.8% title chance (SP+ rank: 92nd) suggest a mid-tier finish. Games at Army and Navy are tough, but home matchups against Charlotte and North Texas could push them to a bowl. Defensive improvement is critical.
9. Rice
Rice 2024 Recap: Rice finished 4-8 (3-5 AAC), with a notable upset over Navy but struggles against top teams. The offense ranked No. 113 in SP+.
Offseason Changes: New coach Scott Abell replaces Mike Bloomgren, inheriting three offensive and five defensive starters. A tough nonconference slate (Louisiana, Houston, UConn) adds pressure.
2025 Expectations: A 3.5-win total (-140 over) and 1.8% title chance (SP+ rank: 121st) reflect a rebuilding year. Home games against Florida Atlantic and UAB offer chances for upsets, but a bowl is unlikely.
10. Tulsa
2024 Recap: Tulsa went 3-9 (1-7 AAC), struggling under Kevin Wilson. The offense (No. 105 in SP+) and defense (No. 129) were among the conference’s worst.
Offseason Changes: New coach Tre Lamb takes over, with running back Dominic Richardson (FCS transfer) as a potential 1,000-yard rusher. Only one starter returns on each side, making cohesion a challenge.
2025 Expectations: A 2.5-win total (-175 over) and 1.6% title chance (SP+ rank: 120th) signal a long rebuild. Wins against Abilene Christian and UAB are possible, but road games at Navy and Tulane are daunting.
11. Charlotte
2024 Recap: Charlotte finished 5-7 (4-4 AAC), showing improvement but lacking consistency. The defense struggled, allowing 78 tackles for loss.
Offseason Changes: New coach Tim Albin replaces Biff Poggi, bringing FCS transfers like receiver E. Jai Mason and tight end Jake Young. A three-way quarterback battle (Grayson Loftis favored) adds uncertainty.
2025 Expectations: A 2.5-win total (-150 over) and 0.8% title chance (SP+ rank: 133rd) reflect a rebuilding year. A brutal nonconference schedule (App State, North Carolina, Georgia) makes a bowl unlikely, but Albin’s Ohio-style approach could spark future growth.
12. Florida Atlantic
2024 Recap: FAU went 3-9 (1-7 AAC), with a porous defense and inconsistent offense under Tom Herman.
Offseason Changes: New coach Zach Kittley brings quarterback Caden Veltkamp (Western Kentucky), who could lead the Group of Five in passing. The defense, ranked No. 104 in SP+, needs a complete overhaul.
2025 Expectations: A 4.5-win total (+105 over) and 2.1% title chance (SP+ rank: 115th) suggest a slight uptick. Veltkamp’s passing could shine against Rice and Tulsa, but road games at Navy and Tulane limit their ceiling.
13. Temple
2024 Recap: Temple struggled to a 3-9 record (2-6 AAC), with a weak offense (No. 125 in SP+) and defense (No. 125).
Offseason Changes: New coach K.C. Keeler inherits one starter on each side, but a favorable schedule and transfers could spark improvement. The defense needs a physical overhaul.
2025 Expectations: A 3.5-win total (+105 over) and 1.5% title chance (SP+ rank: 126th) point to a bowl push if Keeler maximizes home games against UTSA, Navy, and Tulane. A 3-1 start (UMass, Howard) is possible, but depth is a concern.
14. UAB
2024 Recap: UAB went 3-9 (2-6 AAC), with a defense ranked No. 126 in SP+ under Trent Dilfer, who faces pressure after a 7-17 record.
Offseason Changes: Only two starters return, and Dilfer’s job is on the line. Early games against Alabama State and Akron offer hope, but Navy and Tennessee loom large.
2025 Expectations: A 4.5-win total (+120 over) and 2.3% title chance (SP+ rank: 112th) suggest another tough year. An upset loss early could lead to an interim coach by October.
Show Your Support
Show your school pride with officially licensed NCAA gear—jerseys, hats, hoodies, and more—available now through our Fanatics affiliate link. Whether you’re tailgating, heading to the game, or watching from home, make sure you’re geared up like a true fan.
👉 Click here to shop NCAA fan gear now and support Sports View 360 with every purchase!
(As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases—thank you for supporting independent college football coverage!)
