The American Conference continues to make noise on the national stage. With six victories over Power 4 opponents this season, the league is again proving that it deserves recognition as college football’s top Group of Five conference. Memphis and Navy have emerged as the early standard-bearers, standing undefeated at 5-0 as October arrives. Their success, coupled with North Texas’ hot start and Tulane’s steady climb back from its loss to Ole Miss, has positioned the conference for another dramatic race toward a potential College Football Playoff berth.
Memphis remains the headline act after another dominant offensive showing — this time against Florida Atlantic. The Tigers’ 55-26 victory improved their record to 5-0, extending their nation-best nine-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Navy’s disciplined, methodical approach under coach Brian Newberry continues to pay off, as the Midshipmen’s bruising ground game once again carried them past Rice to remain perfect for the year. Both programs have set themselves apart through physicality, experience, and efficient quarterback play, providing the American with two legitimate playoff contenders.
Elsewhere, North Texas continues to defy expectations. The Mean Green’s 36-22 win over South Alabama pushed them to 5-0 for the first time since 1959, powered by one of the nation’s most dynamic rushing attacks. Tulane bounced back from its humbling loss to Ole Miss by dominating Tulsa in its conference opener, while South Florida rebounded emphatically after its Miami defeat. As these teams jockey for position, the next few weeks will likely determine who rises to challenge Memphis and Navy for the conference crown.
As league play intensifies, the margin for error will shrink. Every game now matters — not just for the American title race, but for the national perception of a conference fighting to send one of its own to the expanded playoff field. Here’s how the 14 teams stack up in the Week 6 Sports View 360 American Conference Power Rankings.
1. Memphis (5–0, 1–0)
The Tigers are rolling, and their performance against Florida Atlantic showed why they’re the league’s best team right now. Memphis dominated the second half, outscoring the Owls 38–10, behind a monster outing from running back Greg Desrosiers Jr. (204 rushing yards, 3 TDs). Brendon Lewis continued to prove his value as one of the most versatile quarterbacks in the Group of Five, accounting for four total touchdowns. Memphis has won nine straight — the longest active streak in the nation — and controls its playoff destiny entering a key midseason stretch.
2. Navy (5–0, 3–0)
Navy remains undefeated thanks to its classic brand of ball control and toughness. Quarterback Blake Horvath rushed for 110 yards and two scores as the Midshipmen powered past Rice, extending their winning streak to seven. The defense has been equally consistent, limiting opponents to 13.2 points per game. As Memphis draws national headlines, Navy quietly positions itself for a potential winner-take-all showdown later this season.
3. North Texas (5–0)
The Mean Green are one of college football’s biggest surprises. Their 36–22 win over South Alabama highlighted the emergence of Caleb Hawkins as a star playmaker, with three total touchdowns and over 200 combined yards. North Texas boasts one of the most balanced offenses in the league and is now 5–0 for the first time since the Eisenhower administration. Their ability to win shootouts and grind-it-out contests makes them a legitimate dark horse in the playoff conversation.
4. Tulane (4–1, 1–0)
Tulane bounced back in style from its lopsided loss to Ole Miss with a commanding 31–14 win over Tulsa. Running back Javin Gordon carried the load with three rushing touchdowns, and the Green Wave defense posted six sacks and a key interception. The win restored order and reminded everyone that Tulane’s championship pedigree remains intact. With upcoming matchups against Memphis, UTSA, and Army, the Green Wave still has a clear path to the conference title.
5. South Florida (3–1)
The Bulls took a breather in Week 5 but are still one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Their 63–14 win over South Carolina State the previous week was a statement performance after the Miami loss, with quarterback Byrum Brown looking back in rhythm. South Florida opens conference play against Charlotte and must maintain its offensive momentum to stay in the playoff race.
6. East Carolina (3–2, 1–0)
East Carolina made a statement in its conference opener with a convincing 28–6 victory over Army. Quarterback Katin Houser was sharp, throwing for 251 yards and two touchdowns while adding a rushing score. The defense held Army scoreless in the first half, limiting the Black Knights’ vaunted rushing attack to 128 yards before halftime. ECU’s balance and discipline make them a team no one wants to face in October.
7. Rice (3–2, 1–1)
Rice fell short in its road test at Navy, losing 21–13, but remains one of the league’s most disciplined teams. The Owls’ defense kept them competitive, but offensive inefficiency late doomed their upset bid. With three wins already, Rice remains firmly in the upper half of the conference and will look to rebound as conference play continues.
8. UTSA (2–2)
After a bye week, the Roadrunners return to action against Temple. They’ve shown flashes of their old form, and this week presents a chance to climb back toward .500 and re-establish their footing in the American.
9. Temple (2–2)
Like UTSA, Temple had the week off. The Owls will have a chance to prove their early-season blowout wins weren’t a fluke when they meet the Roadrunners in what could be one of Week 6’s more competitive matchups.
10. UAB (2–2)
The Blazers also had the week off following a tough loss to Tennessee. With Army on deck, UAB must regain its early-season rhythm to stay relevant in the conference race.
11. Tulsa (2–3, 0–2)
Tulsa came crashing back to earth after its upset of Oklahoma State, losing 31–14 to Tulane. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff showed flashes of explosiveness, but the offense was ultimately undone by poor protection, giving up six sacks. The Golden Hurricane will need to regroup quickly to stay competitive.
12. Army (1–3, 0–2)
The Black Knights’ struggles continued in their 28–6 loss to East Carolina. Despite a few flashes from running back Noah Short, Army has yet to find the offensive consistency that defined its 2024 championship campaign.
13. Charlotte (1–3, 0–1)
The 49ers are reeling after their 28–17 loss to Rice. The effort was there, but the lack of big-play production remains a major concern. They’ll need a complete turnaround to avoid sinking further in the standings.
14. Florida Atlantic (1–3, 0–1)
The Owls’ 55–26 defeat to Memphis exposed major defensive flaws. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp put up 318 yards through the air, but the their inability to slow the Tigers’ rushing attack buried any hope of a comeback.
