It’s still early in the 2025 college football season, but the way things are shaping up, the American Conference is the best Group of Five league in today’s landscape. So far, the league has picked up three marquee victories over opponents expected to contend in their respective conferences. Right now, it looks as though South Florida could be this season’s Group of Five representatives in the college football playoffs. In Week 1, they dominated one of last year’s 12 playoff teams, the Boise State Broncos, at home. The following week, the Bulls pulled off the biggest upset of the Week 2 slate by knocking off the Florida Gators in front of a raucous crowd at the Swamp.
The back-to-back upset victories have allowed South Florida to be ranked among the top 25 in this week’s Associated Press Top 25 rankings. The Bulls will have a chance to add to their resume with a victory over the sixth-ranked Miami Hurricanes this Saturday. As for the rest of the league, there were a lot of close games, along with endings where teams from the conference were just the better ball club. Here’s our first edition of the 2025 American Conference power rankings series.
1. South Florida (2-0)
Before the season started, I cautioned readers not to be fully invested in the possibility of the Florida Gators making a gigantic leap in 2025. Week 2’s outing against South Florida proved what I thought all along with Napier’s team. They will get back championship-contending levels eventually, but not this season. Bulls QB Byrum Brown was instrumental in leading the team on the game-winning drive that paved the way for last week’s biggest upset over a marquee opponent. A potential victory over Miami would give the Bulls one of the best resumes in college football.
2. Tulane (2-0)
There’s a saying that bowl games outside of the ones that are CFP-related do not mean anything. Don’t tell Tulane that their upset win over USC in 2022 has come with many benefits. Since knocking off the Trojans in the Cotton Bowl, the Green Wave has emerged as the darlings of the Group of Five. Tulane remained undefeated with a hard-fought 33-31 road victory over South Alabama in Week 2, building on its dominant 23-3 Week 1 win against Northwestern. Transfer quarterback Jake Retzlaff threw for a touchdown and ran for another, while running back Zuberi Mobley added two scores. The Green Wave’s defense forced key stops late, solidifying their status as a top contender with a tough schedule ahead, including Ole Miss next week.
3. Navy (2-0)
Navy cruised to a 38-24 conference-opening win over UAB in Week 2, after a 52-7 rout of VMI in Week 1. Quarterback Blake Horvath accounted for three touchdowns, and the defense forced three turnovers while shutting out UAB in the second half. The Midshipmen’s triple-option offense averaged over 200 rushing yards, maintaining their momentum as a dark horse for the American Conference crown and CFP consideration.
4. Memphis (2-0)
So far, balance is the key ingredient for the success of the Memphis Tigers. Their heavy ball-controlled approach was on display last Saturday against Georgia State. With Greg Desrosiers out with a lower-body injury, Sutton Smith and Makari Bodiford led the charge against the Panthers. Bodiford ran for two touchdowns while Smith was the team’s leading rusher in last week’s 38-16 win over Georgia State. Quarterback Brendon Lewis had another efficient outing as a passer, throwing for 196 yards, one rushing touchdown, and 68 yards as a rusher. The Tigers’ victory over the Panthers gives them 12 straight wins over a Sun Belt conference opponent. They will look to continue their winning streak against the Troy Trojans next Saturday.
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5. North Texas Mean Green (2-0)
North Texas escaped with a 33-30 overtime victory at Western Michigan in Week 2, after beating Lamar in Week 1, and running back Makenzie McGill II’s 3-yard overtime touchdown sealed the win in their first-ever meeting with the Broncos. Chandler Morris threw for over 300 yards, but the defense’s late stand highlighted their resilience, positioning the Mean Green as a surprise early contender.
6. Temple (2-0)
The Owls dominated Howard 55-7 in their home opener during Week 2, building on a Week 1 win at UMass. Evan Simon threw three touchdown passes, and the offense rolled up over 500 yards. Under new coach K.C. Keeler, the Owls’ balanced attack and opportunistic defense have them off to a strong start, with a tough matchup against Oklahoma looming.
7. Army (1-1)
The Black Knights rebounded from a shocking Week 1 FCS loss with a 24-21 upset road win at Kansas State in Week 2. The triple-option offense controlled the ball for most of the second half, scoring 10 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Dewayne Coleman managed the game well despite injuries, boosting the Army’s confidence as it enters conference play.
8. East Carolina (1-1)
East Carolina bounced back from a Week 1 loss at NC State with a commanding 56-3 home win over FCS Campbell in Week 2. Quarterback Katin Houser threw for multiple touchdowns, and the defense pitched a shutout after the first quarter. The Pirates’ quick-start mentality under coach Blake Harrell has them trending upward heading into non-conference matchups.
9. Florida Atlantic (1-1)
Florida Atlantic evened its record at 1-1 with a 56-14 blowout of Florida A&M in Week 2, after a 39-7 Week 1 loss at Maryland. Quarterback Caden Veltkamp threw five touchdown passes, redeeming his four-interception debut. The Owls’ Air Raid offense clicked at home, signaling potential under new coach Zach Kittley as they prepare for FIU.
10. Rice (1-1)
Rice dropped to 1-1 after a 35-9 loss to Houston in the Bayou Bucket rivalry during Week 2, following a Week 1 win over Louisiana. The defense held Houston in check early, but the offense struggled against the Cougars’ pressure. Under new coach Scott Abell, the Owls showed promise but need to improve execution against Prairie View A&M next.
11. UAB (1-1)
UAB fell to 1-1 with a 38-24 conference-opening loss to Navy in Week 2, after a 52-42 Week 1 win over Alabama State. Quarterback Jalen Kitna threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns, but the defense couldn’t stop Navy’s triple-option. The Blazers’ high-octane offense remains a strength, but defensive adjustments are needed before facing Akron.
12. Tulsa (1-1)
Tulsa slipped to 1-1 after a 26-24 road loss to New Mexico State in Week 2, despite a Week 1 win over Abilene Christian. The Golden Hurricane led late but failed to convert on key drives. Under new coach Tre Lamb, Tulsa’s offense showed flashes, but turnovers proved costly as they head into a matchup with Oklahoma State.
13. Charlotte (0-2)
Charlotte remained winless after a 20-3 home loss to North Carolina in Week 2, in front of a record crowd following a Week 1 defeat to Appalachian State. Quarterback Conner Harrell threw for 140 yards, but the offense managed just three points. Under new coach Tim Albin, the 49ers showed improvement but need a spark against Monmouth.
14. UTSA (0-2)
UTSA dropped to 0-2 after a 38-33 loss to Texas State in the I-35 Rivalry during Week 2, following a Week 1 defeat at Texas A&M. Running back Robert Henry rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns, but a late comeback by the Bobcats sealed the defeat. The Roadrunners’ offense is potent, but defensive lapses have them at the bottom as they host Incarnate Word.
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