For the sixth straight year, the University of South Florida has been selected as the preseason favorite in the American Conference (formerly the American Athletic Conference). But as last season proved, being the favorite doesn’t guarantee a championship. In 2024-25, UTSA surged ahead late and captured the regular-season crown.
This year, South Florida and UTSA once again enter as the league’s top contenders. But Rice, Temple, Tulane and North Texas all have strong returning cores — and enough high-upside newcomers — to pull off major upsets.
From South Florida’s Carla Brito to UTSA’s Idara Udo and Rice’s Dominique Ennis, the conference also features a strong group of athletes with significant NIL earning potential heading into 2025-26.
Below is RallyFuel’s official preview and rankings for the upcoming season.
1. SOUTH FLORIDA
With senior forward Carla Brito — the conference’s Preseason Player of the Year — South Florida boasts the league’s top individual talent. Brito recorded seven double-doubles last year, scored in double figures 18 times, and was named the Most Outstanding Player of the conference tournament.
But she won’t be alone. L’or Mputu (9.5 PPG, 8.1 RPG) returns as an elite frontcourt force, giving the Bulls the league’s strongest inside duo.
NIL Outlook: Brito is a top-tier earner in the conference; Mputu also projects as a rising frontcourt NIL standout.
2. UTSA
The Roadrunners are coming off a breakthrough year that included their first appearance in the Women’s Basketball Invitational.
Junior forward Idara Udo (8.7 PPG, 6.6 RPG) leads a veteran squad once again, and senior forward Cheyenne Roweprovides double-double potential on any given night.
NIL Outlook: Udo is one of the most marketable players in the league due to consistency, role, and team success.
3. TEMPLE
The Owls return one of the conference’s best guards in Kaylah Turner (9.9 PPG), a poised scorer ready to take on an even larger role. Sophomore forward Savannah Curry and junior guard Tristen Taylor also return as key starters.
NIL Outlook: Turner is Temple’s clear NIL leader with strong breakout potential.
4. RICE
Rice coach Shelley Pennington made national noise by landing Canadian phenom Kaylen Sta. Maria, one of the top young recruits in the world. She won’t suit up until 2026-27, but her arrival elevates Rice’s long-term trajectory.
In the meantime, this season’s core is strong. Senior guard Dominique Ennis (12.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG) returns as one of the league’s most complete players. Hailey Adams and Victoria Flores bring additional scoring depth.
NIL Outlook: Ennis is a legitimate all-conference earner; Sta. Maria projects as a future NIL superstar.
5. TULANE
Tulane will be competitive thanks to the scoring duo of senior forward Amira Mabry and sophomore guard Kendall Sneed. Junior college transfer Kanija Daniel — who averaged 19.6 PPG and 5.3 RPG at Chipola — adds immediate firepower.
NIL Outlook: Daniel’s JUCO résumé and scoring upside make her a newcomer to watch.
6. NORTH TEXAS
North Texas enters the season with momentum and a dominant home-court advantage (31-3 under coach Jason Burton).
Coppin State transfer Tiffany Hammond has exploded early, jumping from 7.7 PPG last year to over 15 PPG this season. Junior guard Aysia Proctor moves into a starting role with double-digit scoring potential.
NIL Outlook: Hammond’s scoring surge puts her on an NIL upswing.
7. TULSA
Junior guard Mady Cartwright (10.5 PPG) returns as one of the league’s most reliable backcourt players. Freshmen Dora Toman and Alisha Peavy have already been rotation contributors early in the season.
NIL Outlook: Cartwright is Tulsa’s most marketable athlete entering 2025-26.
8. EAST CAROLINA
Memphis transfer Taylor Barner has been one of the biggest early-season breakout stars, highlighted by a 32-point performance against Charleston Southern. Three-point specialist Kennedy Fauntleroy gives ECU another major scoring threat, while Charlotte transfer Keanna Rembert anchors the frontcourt.
NIL Outlook: Barner is a fast-riser and potential top-five NIL earner in the conference if her pace continues.
9. MEMPHIS
Sophomore forward Tamya Smith and senior guard Chae Harris form one of the league’s best scoring tandems. Auburn transfer Jordan Hunter brings defensive versatility and could emerge as a top stopper.
NIL Outlook: Harris’ shooting gives her strong NIL appeal.
10. CHARLOTTE
Wichita State transfer Princess Anderson has quickly emerged as Charlotte’s leading scorer. Bethune-Cookman transfer Asiane Nicholson provides toughness and rebounding inside.
NIL Outlook: Anderson’s early scoring output gives her sleeper NIL value.
11. UAB
Junior guard Cali Smallwood has already made noise with a career-high 29 points against Alabama A&M. Guards Eelecia Carter and Molly Moffitt return to stabilize the backcourt.
NIL Outlook: Smallwood’s offensive upside makes her UAB’s primary NIL draw.
12. WICHITA STATE
New Mexico State transfer Jaila Harding brings perimeter shooting, while Texas Southern transfer Treasure Thompsonand JUCO standout Jaida McDonald give the Shockers an underrated forward pairing.
NIL Outlook: Thompson’s two-way ability creates strong long-term NIL potential.
13. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
JUCO transfer Vivian Onugha has been FAU’s most productive early-season player. Haley Walker (DePaul transfer) should be one of the top rebounders in the conference. Michiya Simmons adds shooting from the perimeter.
NIL Outlook: Onugha is FAU’s clear NIL leader entering 2025-26.
Leave a Comment