The 2025 AAC football season kicks off with 14 teams competing for the conference title, including Army, which joined the league for football in 2024. The American is a league known for parity, and this season looks no different. Several teams enter with win totals around 8 or more, and no single program is priced as a heavy favorite in the betting markets.
Memphis, Tulane, and UTSA are expected to battle for the top spot, while FAU and South Florida are dark horses. Army brings a unique style to the league with its triple-option attack, which could shake up the standings. With the expanded College Football Playoff, the AAC champion will have a shot to earn one of the at-large berths. Bettors and bookies can manage all the action on AAC football by using WagerHome this season.
Preseason Odds Overview
Favorites: Memphis (+300), Tulane (+350), UTSA (+400)
Sleepers: FAU (+700), South Florida (+900), Army (+1200)
Longshots: Navy (+2000), Temple (+2500), Tulsa (+3000), East Carolina (+3500), North Texas (+4000), Charlotte (+4500), Rice (+5000), UAB (+6000)
The top three teams enter as favorites, but the AAC has seen surprise champions before. Tulane, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston all used this league as a springboard in recent years. With multiple strong offenses returning, expect another high-scoring season.
Memphis Tigers Preview – Balanced and Experienced
Memphis is the preseason favorite thanks to a balanced roster. Quarterback Seth Henigan returns for his senior season, and he has been one of the most productive passers in the AAC. The Tigers’ offense averaged over 35 points per game last year and should once again be near the top of the league.
The defense has been a question in recent seasons, but Memphis has added transfers on the defensive line and in the secondary. If they can become even average on that side of the ball, the Tigers have the best shot to reach the AAC title game. At +300, Memphis is the safest bet on the board.
Tulane Green Wave Preview – Reloading for Another Run
Tulane has been the most consistent program in the AAC over the last three years. Quarterback Kai Horton leads the offense, and the Green Wave always play strong on the defensive line. Their physicality sets them apart from much of the league.
The question is whether Tulane can replace key playmakers lost from last season’s roster. They’ve recruited well and have developed depth, but they need new stars to emerge. At +350, Tulane is still a strong bet to finish in the top two.
UTSA Roadrunners Preview – High-Powered Offense
UTSA has become one of the most exciting teams in the AAC since moving from Conference USA. Quarterback Owen McCown steps into the starting role, and the Roadrunners expect to continue their fast-paced offensive approach. Running back Kevorian Barnes adds balance on the ground.
The defense is athletic but inconsistent, which has cost UTSA in big games. If they can improve in red-zone stops, they will be right in the mix for the conference title. At +400, UTSA is a popular pick with value.
Florida Atlantic Owls Preview – Trending Up
FAU enters 2025 with plenty of optimism after a bowl appearance last season. Quarterback Daniel Richardson returns, and he will be throwing to one of the deepest receiving corps in the league. The Owls’ offense should average over 30 points per game again.
The defense is improving but still a step behind the top teams. Their schedule includes road games against Memphis and Tulane, which could decide their fate. At +700, FAU is a sleeper with upside if they can steal a key road win.
South Florida Bulls Preview – Offense Leads the Way
South Florida is built around a high-scoring offense that lit up defenses last season. Quarterback Byrum Brown is back and will be one of the most exciting players in the conference. The Bulls will once again try to outscore opponents each week.
The defense has struggled badly, giving up over 30 points per game in 2024. Until that unit improves, South Florida will have a ceiling just below the top three teams. At +900, they are a dangerous underdog but risky as a futures play.
Army Black Knights Preview – The Wild Card
Army enters its second year in the AAC with a chance to disrupt the standings. The Black Knights’ triple-option attack is unique and tough to prepare for. Fullback Jakobi Buchanan and a veteran offensive line will drive the ground game.
Defensively, Army is physical but can struggle against speed. Their style, however, shortens games and keeps them in contests against more talented teams. At +1200, Army is a sleeper who could reach the AAC title game if things break their way.
Navy Midshipmen Preview – Still Building
Navy continues to rebuild after several down years. The Midshipmen still run the option but have added more passing to their playbook. This gives them flexibility, but execution has been inconsistent.
Defensively, Navy remains solid against the run but weak against the pass. Their win total sits around 5, and they are not expected to contend for the league title. At +2000, they are better suited as a weekly upset pick.
Temple Owls Preview – Defense Must Improve
Temple showed flashes last season but remains a work in progress. The offense is serviceable, but the defense allowed too many explosive plays. The Owls must improve tackling and coverage to compete in 2025.
Win totals hover around 4.5, and Temple is seen as one of the bottom teams in the AAC. At +2500, they are not a realistic title contender but could play spoiler.
Tulsa Golden Hurricane Preview – Searching for Consistency
Tulsa has been up and down for years, and 2025 looks like another rebuild. The offense has skill players but lacks depth on the offensive line. That could lead to more inconsistency.
On defense, Tulsa struggled to generate pressure last season. Until they can create turnovers, they will have trouble winning close games. At +3000, Tulsa is a longshot in the AAC race.
East Carolina Pirates Preview – Rebuilding the Program
East Carolina continues to search for answers on both sides of the ball. The offense has not found stability at quarterback, which has limited production. The Pirates’ offensive line is also young and needs time to develop.
The defense showed effort but wore down late in games. ECU’s win total sits around 4, making them more of a developmental team this year. At +3500, they are not in the title picture.
North Texas Mean Green Preview – Plenty of Offense
North Texas brings a high-powered offense but struggles badly on defense. The Mean Green can score quickly but also give up points in bunches. They will be in plenty of shootouts again this season.
At +4000, North Texas is a longshot that could cover spreads but not contend for the AAC crown. Bettors may find more value in their overs than in their futures.
Charlotte 49ers Preview – Still Finding Their Identity
Charlotte is still working to find its footing in the AAC. The offense has a few playmakers but lacks overall depth. Quarterback play has been inconsistent, which has stalled progress.
The defense is improving but not ready to compete with the league’s top programs. At +4500, Charlotte is expected to finish near the bottom of the standings.
Rice Owls Preview – Veteran Leadership
Rice returns several veteran starters on both sides of the ball. The Owls are well-coached and rarely beat themselves, but they lack high-end athletes compared to the top of the AAC. Their offense relies on efficiency rather than explosive plays.
Projected at around 5 wins, Rice is not a contender. At +5000, their ceiling is a bowl berth if everything goes right.
UAB Blazers Preview – Long Road Ahead
UAB enters 2025 still in a rebuild under Trent Dilfer. The Blazers have struggled in the transition to AAC competition, especially on defense. The offense has potential but is inconsistent.
Win totals sit around 3.5, and UAB is expected to be at the bottom of the standings. At +6000, they are the longest shot on the board.
PPH Betting Prediction
The AAC title race should come down to Memphis, Tulane, and UTSA. Memphis has the best quarterback, Tulane has the most complete roster, and UTSA brings the most offensive firepower. Memphis looks like the safest bet at +300, but Utah-style physicality from Tulane makes them a strong challenger.
Sleeper value sits with Army (+1200) and FAU (+700), both of which could sneak into the title game if they catch breaks on the schedule. The AAC is known for surprises, and 2025 should be no different. For bookies, the best way to take bets on the AAC season is with WagerHome.
Pick: Memphis (+300) to win the AAC
