For the 2025–26 school year, one conference has both a new name and a new identity.
The former American Athletic Conference is now officially known as the American Conference. When announcing the rebrand in July, Commissioner Tim Pernetti said the change “prioritizes clarity, momentum, and the competitive advantage driving every part of our conference forward.”
As the American Conference steps into this new era, its basketball landscape is also shifting. With major coaching changes, heavy roster turnover, and new NIL opportunities, fans should expect a fresh pecking order across the league this season.
Here’s RallyFuel’s 2025–26 men’s basketball preview and team rankings for the American Conference.
1. South Florida Bulls
As the 2024–25 season approached, tragedy struck the Bulls when coach Amir Abdur-Rahim, who led USF to a 25–8 record the previous year, passed away during a medical procedure. Interim coach Ben Fletcher guided the team to a 13–19 record.
Now, Bryan Hodgson takes over as head coach and brings immediate optimism to Tampa. Hodgson, formerly at Arkansas State, brings two of his former players — Izaiyah Nelson and Joseph Pinion — to bolster the lineup. Transfer guard Xavier Brown (James Madison) joins returning standout CJ Brown, a 2024 All-Freshman selection.
The roster turnover is massive, but so is the upside. USF enters the season as a fan favorite to win the new-look American.
2. Memphis Tigers
Coming off a 29–6 season and a conference title, Memphis faces a full rebuild. Coach Penny Hardaway has no returning starters and is betting on transfers.
The Tigers’ backcourt features Dug McDaniel (Kansas State) and Sincere Parker (McNeese State), while the frontcourt is anchored by 7-foot-1 center Aaron Bradshaw (Ohio State) and forward Hasan Abdul Hakim (UTRGV).
Despite the turnover, Hardaway’s track record with elite transfers keeps Memphis in the contender mix.
3. Temple Owls
Temple quietly improved last year (17–15) and could take a major step forward. The Owls lost Jamal Mashburn Jr., but added a strong group of transfers — CJ Hines (Alabama State), AJ Smith (Charleston), and Derrian Ford (Arkansas State).
The frontcourt gets a lift from Ayuba Bryant Jr., who last played professionally in France, and Jamai Felt (Bowling Green).
With more athleticism and NIL buzz building around the program, Temple could surprise near the top of the standings.
4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane
Tulsa returns Ian Smikle, an All-Freshman selection, and surrounds him with transfer talent.
In the backcourt: Terrance Ford Jr. (Arkansas State), Miles Barnstable (St. Thomas), and Myles Rigsby (Troy). Up front: David Green (Rhode Island), Romad Dean (Fordham), and Doryan Onwuchekwa (Georgia Tech).
The result is a retooled roster with experience at every position — enough to challenge the conference’s elite.
5. Tulane Green Wave
Tulane’s success starts with continuity. The backcourt duo of Rowan Brumbaugh (15.5 points, 4.8 assists per game) and Asher Woods returns, while the frontcourt adds transfers Scotty Middletown (Seton Hall) and Curtis Williams (Georgetown).
Tulane should remain competitive and could develop one of the conference’s most balanced lineups.
6. Wichita State Shockers
Wichita State enters a transition year with a balanced mix of guards and big men. The most intriguing addition is 7-foot-2 center Will Berg (Purdue). He’s joined by Dillion Battie (Temple) and Emmanuel Okorafor (Seton Hall).
The backcourt features Kenyon Giles (UNC Greensboro) and Brian Amuneke (Fresno State). Expect a physical, defense-oriented identity from the Shockers.
7. UAB Blazers
Coach Andy Kennedy faces a rebuild after star forward Yaxel Lendeborg transferred to Michigan. UAB reloaded through the portal, led by guards Ahmad Robinson (Mercer), Jacob Meyer (DePaul), and Chance Westry (Syracuse).
Transfers Daniel Rivera (UMass) and KyeRon Lindsay Martin (Murray State) add frontcourt depth. UAB’s talent level remains high, but chemistry will determine how far it climbs.
8. UTSA Roadrunners
UTSA boasts one of the conference’s most dynamic backcourts with Vasean Allette (TCU) and Jamir Simpson (Southern Utah).
The front line features 7-footer Stanley Borden (Duke) and forward Austin Nunez (Arizona State). The Roadrunners’ mix of size and scoring could make them one of 2025’s surprise teams.
9. Florida Atlantic Owls
After years of postseason success, FAU has a completely new roster. Coach John Jankus added high-profile transfers Kanaan Carlyle (Indiana), Devin Williams (UCLA), and Isaiah Elohim (USC).
They’ll join returning guards Devin Vanterpool and Niccolò Moretti, giving FAU both depth and flair.
10. Charlotte 49ers
Charlotte’s roster, as usual, leans heavily on transfers. Arden Conyers (South Carolina) headlines the newcomers, with guards Damoni Harrison (Southern Indiana), Dezayne Mingo (Marshall), and Major Freeman (Siena) filling out the rotation.
The 49ers will need their new backcourt to gel quickly to stay competitive.
11. Rice Owls
The Owls return leading scorer Trae Broadnax and surround him with a fresh group of transfers. Dallas Hobbs (Mount St. Mary’s) and Nick Anderson (Prairie View A&M) bolster the backcourt, while JUCO transfer Stephen Giwa adds interior toughness.
12. North Texas Mean Green
New coach Deniyal Robinson (from Cleveland State) inherits a program in transition and leans heavily on transfers — including former players Je’Shawn Stevenson and Dylan Arnett. Guards David Terrell Jr. (UTEP) and Will McClendon (San Jose State) will be key scorers.
Expect growing pains early as the new roster develops.
13. East Carolina Pirates
ECU will once again rely on Jordan Riley (14.5 points per game) to lead the offense. Transfer Giovanni Emejuru (George Mason) provides inside scoring. Depth remains a question, but ECU’s guard play gives it a chance to compete nightly.
Fan Fuel Outlook
The newly branded American Conference enters a pivotal year — fresh names, new coaches, and rosters built on the power of the transfer portal.
For fans, it’s also a showcase of how NIL and community support shape modern college basketball. Through RallyFuel, fans can directly fuel verified NIL opportunities for athletes at schools like South Florida, Memphis, and Temple — helping power the next era of American basketball.
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