American Conference Preview, Part I: Will a Service Academy Repeat as Champ?
Navy appears to be the AAC front runner, but can Army defend their title?
In modern college football, nothing would give me more joy than to see the service academies take back-to-back AAC titles. Navy appears to be the favorite thanks to a wealth of returning production, but Army and Memphis have their eyes on the prize as well. Looking for fun stories in Part I of our preview? East Carolina and UNT appear to be a few defensive improvements away from contending themselves, while Charlotte and FAU are laying new ground work for success in the back half of the 2020s.
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Army Black Knights
2024 in Review
Army's inaugural season in the AAC was nothing short of historic. Under the leadership of head coach Jeff Monken, the Black Knights achieved a 12–2 record, marking their first 12-win season in program history. They dominated conference play to the tune of a perfect 8-0 record, culminating in a decisive and stifling 35–14 victory over Tulane in the AAC Championship Game. Army capped off a special season with a 27-6 win over pinch-hitting Louisiana Tech in the Independence Bowl. Despite dropping their games against Notre Dame and Navy, the Black Knights were ranked 21st in the final AP Poll.
Key Storylines
“What’s next?” is the question that immediately came to mind when sitting down to preview Army’s ‘25 campaign. QB Bryson Daily will forever be a legend at West Point. RB Kayne Udoh (ASU) was a battering ram for the Black Knights, but has since transferred out to Tempe. Similarly, DT Kyle Lewis will be missed after a 24 tackle, 4 sack season in the middle of Army’s third-ranked rushing defense (AAC).
So much changed on the field for Army over the offseason. They return only 37% of offensive production (119th) and will need to find Daily’s replacement at QB. Fellow Texas native Dewayne Coleman is currently listed as the presumed starter, according to Ourlads.com. Noah Short and Hayden Reed will be expected to factor in heavily to the ground attack. Along the line, only two returners (Brady Small, Paolo Gennarelli) return from a unit that won the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line.
Defensively, the Black Knights are in better shape. They return 67% of a group that finished first in the AAC and eighth in the country for total defense. LBs Andon Thomas (98 tackles, 2 INTs) and Kalib Fortner (81 tackles, 9.5 tfls) are the heart and soul of the front seven. They played behind 2024 breakout DT Kody Harris-Miller, who is expected to anchor the line this season. The Black Knights return Jack Latore on one edge, but they will have to recoup the production they lost when Elo Modozie (6.5 sacks) walked out the door to Athens, GA.
“Must watch” game
Army is another team who does not benefit from the scheduling overlords. They’ll travel to Kansas State, Tulane, and UTSA this year. It would be heretical, however, to list anything other than the Army-Navy game as the “must watch” opponent on their schedule. It’s hard to imagine that both teams could simultaneously run back the magic of 2024, but we’re not going to discourage it.
Charlotte 49ers
2024 in Review
The Charlotte 49ers come into 2025 off the heels of a tumultuous 5-7 season. Remember how former head coach Biff Poggi admitted that their injury bug was due to going too hard in practice? Good times. Despite showing flashes of potential, the team struggled with consistency, particularly on offense. Quarterback instability was a significant issue, as multiple players, including Deshawn Purdie, Max Brown, and Trexler Ivey, departed the program, leaving a void at the position. The defense, however, showed promise, with linebacker Reid Williford leading the team with 77 tackles and defensive back Dontae Balfour recording two interceptions. The season finished with the dismissal of Poggi and the introduction of a new, and more stable era…
Key Storylines
Charlotte pulled off a coup when they hired Ohio magician (and noted Three Tech favorite) Tim Albin away from the Bobcats. Albin had been described as a miracle worker by a fellow MAC coach en route to a conference championship, despite their constant battle with the transfer portal. Albin boasts three straight 10-win seasons in Athens and was twice named the MAC Coach of the Year. He’ll trust Todd Fitch with the reigns to his offense, so expect plenty of fireworks in the passing attack. The defense will fall under the purview of Nate Faanes and Kurt Mattix, both of whom followed Albin from Ohio.
It will be open season in the race for QB1 this fall. Albin welcomed multiple transfers, but the sentiment is that the job will come down to Conner Harrell (UNC) and Grayson Loftis (Duke). Don Chaney Jr (Miami) is the most experienced name to join the RB room, while Nate Spillman (Tenn) and Jayden McGowan (Vandy) add SEC production to the 49ers WR group. Jake Young (UNC) joins as a new face for the TEs.
The defense could be a roller coaster this year with so many new faces. LB Reid Williford led the 49ers with 77 tackles and will be the most productive name who returns. Along the defensive line, there are a lot of transfers, several from Elon and the Ivy Leagues, who will compete for the starting rotation. While it’s truly comparing apples and oranges, Albin’s defense at Ohio finished 9th in the country last season…take that for what it’s worth. Charlotte will also have some former blue chip recruits join the secondary in Dwight Bootle Jr (Nebraska) and Collin Gill (Oregon).
“Must watch” game
Charlotte and App State open the season at Bank of America Stadium on Friday, August 29th. While it’s likely that a lot of growth will take place as the season goes along, we’re pumped to see Albin revamp a 49ers program that should be much more competitive going forward.
East Carolina Pirates
2024 in Review
It was a night and day change for East Carolina’s momentum when Mike Houston was let go and DC Blake Harrell was promoted. Suddenly, a listless 3-4 Pirates squad took on a whole new persona, winning their next four games and five of six, including an upset win over hated rival NC State. The Pirates found a defensive identity, an offense that dominated on the ground, and a swagger that had been missing from the program for quite a while. East Carolina went from a program with a lot of potential to one that can challenge for the AAC crown, firmly reserving a spot on your quad box all season long. (Watch our ECU breakdown on Youtube!)
Key Storylines
Can the defense find the next gear? With Harrell now in the captain’s chair, he will need to trust his defense to the capable hands of Josh Aldridge, a veteran linebacker and edge coach from Auburn. Harrell also retained John David Baker to keep running the offense, a massive win for the purple and gold. Baker’s offense jumped to 24th in the country from the abysmal 130th ranking it had in 2023.
The offense should be insanely fun to watch and a nightmare to defend. Personally, I was devastated to see WR Chase Sowell leave for Iowa State (we’re pumped for Becht and folks in Ames, though!). Howevah…Jaquazie Pettaway (OU) and Tyler Johnson (Penn State) signed from the portal to soften the blow. RB Parker Jenkins (Houston) joins a talented and diverse backfield with London Montgomery and Marlon Gunn Jr, while Kyle Long (Maryland) bolsters an offensive line that returns both tackles in front of QB Katin Houser. I really liked what we saw from Houser at times last year and think he can take a nice leap forward in ‘25 if he cuts down on the interceptions. After Houser took over, the Pirates found their swagger on offense and averaged nearly 40 points per game.
The Pirates LB corps should have free reign to hunt again this year. Ryheem Craig and JD Lampley return to rush off the edge, while Dameon Wilson will man the “mike” position. Replacing Shavon Ravel in the secondary will be key for an ECU pass defense that ranked 96th in the country last year (Ravel missed a huge part of the season with an ACL tear). Ja’Marley Riddle returns at safety and is joined by Jordy Lowery (Western Carolina) to form quite the tandem (9 INTs between them).
“Must watch” game
Thursday. August 28th. Carter-Finley Stadium. Pirates and Wolf Pack. It will be an absolutely explosive start to the season in Raleigh when two bitter rivals clash to open the 2025 season. ECU bested NC State in a dramatic, and heated Military Bowl. We fully expect pure, unadulterated hate to rear its head again.
Florida Atlantic
2024 in Review
The 2024 season did not go according to plan down in Boca Raton. Last summer, there were those saying that Tom Herman was about to figure it out and go on a run that culminated in the AAC title…A mere three wins later, the Owls were making a change in leadership and looking for their next spark plug. The lion’s share of the blame ultimately fell on the defense’s shoulders, which gave up an unsightly 30.3 points per game (104th). The offense didn’t help either, giving the ball away 18 times during the season. In search of revival, FAU then hired offensive wonderboy Zach Kittley to take over. At just 33 years old, Kittley becomes the youngest FBS coach.
Key Storylines
I can’t promise you that FAU will have a complete turnaround in year one, but they should be an absolute blast to watch. Kittley has routinely put up explosive offensive numbers at WKU and Texas Tech. Last year, the Red Raiders finished inside the top 10 for total offense. Moreover, they did it by air and by land. With Kittley handling the play calling duties, FAU fans can expect a high-flying air raid by the beach. I’ll be stunned if Caden Veltkamp (WKU) doesn’t win the starting QB job after reuniting with his freshman offensive coordinator.
What’s recipe for success on defense? On the defensive side of the ball, Brett Dewhurst has been tabbed as defensive coordinator. The Owls have brought in a litany of new faces to try and improve a defense that just couldn’t stop a runny nose last season. Naejuan Barber (Coastal Carolina), Enyce Sledge (Illinois), and CJ Doggette (Ohio) are expected to enhance the point of attack up front, while Leon Hart Jr. (Marshall) and Tyler Stolsky (Minnesota) bring added experience and versatility to the linebacking corps. Basing out of a 4-2-5, FAU will need to reliably shut down the run and let the secondary focus on improving their 92nd ranked passing defense.
“Must watch” game
FAU head to Tampa in October to challenge South Florida. The Bulls are a popular choice to win the AAC, but Kittley’s Owls could well be one of the most dangerous landmines on the schedule. If you like points, this will be your game to watch.
Memphis Tigers
2024 in Review
Memphis was sooooo close to paying off their playoff expectations last year. The Tigers went 11-2 behind the legendary arm of QB Seth Henigan. The offense was incredible, scoring over 35 points per game. The defense, however, struggled to get stops when it mattered the most, particularly on third down. Both blemishes for Memphis came in trap game scenarios: at Navy following a win over Florida State, and at UTSA following the Roadrunners’ historic meltdown against Tulsa. Even the Frisco Bowl win over West Virginia was a hair raiser as the defense nearly let West Virginia climb back into it. While they may not have met their ultimate expectations, the Tigers’ 11-win season has put Memphis firmly at the top of the AAC and cemented them as an annual contender for the CFP.
Key Storylines
Denton Ryan’s own Seth Henigan deserves a statue on Memphis’ campus after the heights he led the Tigers to. Sadly, all good things must end and Henigan is now pursuing an NFL future in Jacksonville (leaving a void of over 14,000 passing yards). Head coach Ryan Silverfield has given himself options heading into 2025. He first signed 4-star QB AJ Hill (the only blue chip QB to sign with a G5 team) during the Early Signing Period. Then, in the spring window, Silverfield brought in Brendan Lewis from Nevada. Lewis revived his career out in Reno, throwing for 16 TDs and over 2200 yards.
Memphis also brought in multiple starters along the rest of the offense, welcoming WRs CJ Smith (Purdue), Jadon Thompson (Louisville), TE Jerry Cross (Penn State), and six new offensive linemen to fill out the two-deep. These were all important adds after the Tigers lost nine of eleven starters from last year, with the only two returners being on the offensive line.
The defense has even more new faces as the Tigers replace a whopping ten starters and look to shore up a pass defense that ranked 119th nationally (they surrendered over 257 yards per game through the air). CBs Omarion Cooper (FSU), Myles Pollard (Michigan), and Joey Hunter (Akron) will defend the outside, with Jaylen Thompson (Mich State) and Kamari Wilson (ASU) expected to improve their safety play. Sam Brumfield (Va Tech) will be an X-factor at linebacker, while returning DE William Whitlow Jr (All AAC, 4 sacks) will be reinforced through portal acquisitions along the line.
“Must watch” game
Memphis ruined Tulane’s run at the Playoff last year in dramatic fashion. The Tigers’ defense stood up in their biggest hour and held Tulane to just 24 points. This year, Tulane will be out for revenge in Memphis’ own barn on November 7th.
Navy Midshipmen
2024 in Review
Head Coach Brian Newberry became a household name in 2024 when the Midshipmen stormed their way to a remarkable 10-3 record. The season was highlighted by a commanding 31-13 victory over Army, securing the Commander-in-Chief's Trophy, and a thrilling 21-20 comeback over Oklahoma in the Armed Forces Bowl. Navy's offense averaged 31.3 points per game, while the defense held opponents to 22.2 points per game, although their defense sometimes fell behind in a shootout.
Key Storylines
Navy appears poised to potentially run it back in 2025. Navy has the veteran production to, not only contend but, win the American outright. They have to capitalize on returning production, after all, considering the service academies cannot take traditional transfers. Sure, the Midshipmen said farewell to several stalwarts like LBs Colin Ramos, Kyle Jacob, and CB Dashaun Peele, but the majority of their playmakers return (34th in total returning production according to ESPN and the SP+). When we asked for your picks to win the America, the consensus was Navy reminded fans of the 2024 Army squad. The continuity, the veteran QB, and a system that appears well oiled all sound very similar to the ingredients that led to the Black Knights’ conference championship…
Navy continues to be defined by their running game. Blake Horvath is back to rudder the Midshipmen once again. He totaled over 2,600 yards and 30 touchdowns between his arm and legs. Alec Tecza is back as the lead fullback after recording 8 TDs and nearly 600 yards on the ground. Brandon Chatman and Eli Heidenreich will be the two primary slot backs, so expect plenty more creativity as Navy pounds the rock. When they do throw the ball, expect WR Nathan Kent to be heavily involved.
P.J. Volker continues to lead a unit that was instrumental in the team's success last season. The defense returns 53% of its production from a unit that allowed just 22.2 points per game in 2024. Perhaps the biggest key to offsetting Navy’s losses in the secondary will be getting after the passer more effectively. Landon Robinson and Griffen Willis are both talented and likely in for big years.
“Must watch” game
Come on now. Y’all know it has to be the Army-Navy Game. Last year, Navy bludgeoned Army out of nowhere and wrote another fantastic chapter in this historic rivalry. I know that a lot has been written about when and where Army and Navy will play, but as long as we preserve a tradition that is more than just a football game, we’ll be happy.
North Texas Mean Green
2024 in Review
The Mean Green clawed their way to a bowl game last year and nearly completed the comeback in the First Responders Bowl against Texas State. Eric Morris reaffirmed his offensive genius with QB Chandler Morris at the helm. The Mean Green scored over 33 points per game and had the 4th best passing offense in the country. What continually held UNT back, though, was their defense. They finished 128th in the country and were especially porous on the ground and on 3rd down. Thankfully for those in Denton, Morris went to work improving his staff and roster as soon as the offseason hit.
Key Storylines
The Mean Green lost a lot to the transfer portal…which appears to be UNT’s particular curse. Morris’ team has put up video game-like numbers on offense in his first two seasons, and then has watched the biggest producers walk out the door. Morris has made it a two-way street, though. QB Reese Poffenbarger (Miami), WR Simeon Evans (Sam Houston), and RB Jayden Becks (Missouri State) are names that the Mean Green expect to contribute right away…although Drew Mestemaker certainly isn’t handing over the QB battle after he burst onto the scene in the bowl game. Out wide, speedy WR Miles Coleman showed the ability to make plays in the second half of the season. After losing several backs to the portal, RB McKenzie McGill (10 TDs) will lead the room.
The Trenches were a massive focus of the offseason. UNT secured commitments from multiple offensive linemen to join key returner Gabe Blair at center. To help stop the run, new defensive coordinator Skylar Cassity (Sam Houston) brought in a bevy of former Bearkats. Edge Briceon Hayes (5 sacks) and DT Richard Outland (3 sacks) are both expected to start, while Ethan Day (Wyo) could nail down the other edge role. At linebacker, know Kenton Allen’s name. Allen transferred in from DII power Angelo State and totaled over 100 tackles and 4.5 TFLs last year.
The pass defense has also been upgraded for UNT thanks to Will Jones II (ODU), Da’Veawn Armstead (Sam Houston), David Fisher (Sam Houston) and others. Jones, for example, had a big year for the Monarchs, intercepting three passes. A revamped secondary will not only help UNT replace key contributors like Ridge Texada (NFL), but will also free up the front seven to get after the ball. Last year, Cassity’s Bearkats finished with the 22nd best defense overall and ranked 13th in stopping the pass.
“Must watch” game
The beginning of October will be an absolute blast for the Mean Green. Off a bye week, they’ll host USF in a game that could give us a ton of points. The next week? They host UTSA for homecoming. We’re going to cheat (again I know) and say you should consider both of these for your quad boxes on Saturday morning.