A lot was going on at the American Conference Media Days this week. Here are the highlights from several hours of discussion.
A busy two-day event at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront in St. Petersburg, Florida, marked the beginning of the season in the American Conference. Commissioner Tim Pernetti and the league’s head coach took time to meet with the media and discuss key topics.
Commissioner’s Comments
American Conference Commissioner Tim Pernetti opened the session with several prepared remarks and took questions from the assembled media. The full press conference is available on ESPN+, but here are some of his key comments:
- Pernetti waxed for a while on the success of the American Conference rebrand, citing social media impressions and engagement numbers, particularly among Olympic sports and softball
- Fair access is a chief priority for Pernetti in College Football Playoff conversations. Pernetti said “we believe teams should have the opportunity to earn it on the field,” and that any expansion should include representative access for the Group of 6
- He called the Transfer Portal “the top of the mountain” amongst current issues, citing the statistic that 78% of first-team and second-team players in football transferred. Supports free player movement, but wants some sort of guardrails
- Promised to “protect and defend” the Army-Navy game amongst College Football Playoff expansion conversations
Team Notebook
Each of the conference’s 14 head coaches had their opportunity to take the microphone, too. Below are some of the key takeaways from each of their comments, ranging from expectations, key players, challenges and more:
East Carolina – Coach Blake Harrell didn’t shy away from the turnover on his roster, noting the team returns zero starters on the offensive line and will have a new quarterback. That’s a lot of new faces to juggle with raised expectations.
UTSA – Coach Jeff Traylor called himself a “brisket cooker” learning to adjust to a microwave culture, saying that the inconsistencies the team has exhibited in recent years fall partially on him. Having third-year starter Owen McCown back at quarterback should help.
Rice – When asked who needs to step up for Rice to have success this year, coach Scott Abell went immediately to backup running backs D’Andre Hardeman and Tyvonn Byars, indicating a desire to spread the load beyond star back Quinton Jackson this season.
Tulsa – Although they did attack the Transfer Portal, too, head coach Tre Lamb maintains that “in today’s college football, continuity wins.” He expects the retention of key players to be significant in the Golden Hurricanes’ continued growth.
Temple – Coach K.C. Keeler was unabashedly bold at the mic. “There was greatness here before. I’m not trying to reinvent this thing. I’m just trying to get the greatness back,” he said, declaring that he wants Temple to be “the best team in the country”
North Texas – After a program-record win total a season ago, the Mean Green are flying under the radar with new head coach Neal Brown. “Nobody’s talking about us right now,” he said, reminding the audience that North Texas is second-oldest team in FBS and brought in many veterans in the Transfer Portal.
Navy – The preseason conference favorite in the media poll, head coach Brian Newberry isn’t slowing down. “I’m not interested in sustaining success; I’m interested in building on success,” he said. That sure sounds like College Football Playoff talk.
Charlotte – Coach Tim Albin went through several key position groups, sharing how the program is bigger, faster [and] stronger” across the board. Turning that improved athleticism into victories on the field will be the real challenge for the 49ers this fall.
Tulane – The Green Wave return 68 players, one of the high-water marks in the country. The transition from Jon Sumrall to Will Hall has sparked some concern about the program’s future, but Hall made sure to note that this program has recruited (and kept) talented football players in New Orleans.
Memphis – New head coach Charles Huff opened his remarks by referring to himself as “the Lane Kiffin of the Group of 5” and “the Portal King”, sharing that the Tigers have 71 new players, adding that talent is important, but getting players to come together is most crucial.
Army – Coach Jeff Monken noted the growth he saw former quarterback Bryson Dailey make between his first and second season as a starter when discussing the potential for returning starter Cale Hellums in the Army offense this fall. That growth could be pivotal in elevating Army’s ceiling in 2026.
UAB – Coach Alex Mortensen talked extensively about his experience working with Nick Saban, citing it as a formative part of his coaching journey. He credited Saban’s relentless commitment to helping his players as something he hopes to instill at UAB.
Florida Atlantic – Full staff continuity and a high rate of retention seemed to be coach Zach Kittley’s primary reasons for optimism about his program in Year 2. Another year to work with quarterback Caden Veltkamp, who Kittley has known since recruiting him to Western Kentucky in 2021, has him particularly excited.
South Florida – New coach Brian Hartline made it clear that his hiring of defensive coordinator Josh Aldridge was key, referring to him as someone who is “clear, concise and full of passion.” His understanding of the conference from his time at East Carolina played an important role in the decision.
Around the League
Navy is the Favorite in 2026 American Conference Preseason Media Poll
2026 American Conference QB Tiers
