The American Conference continued its banner year by putting up a pair of Power Four victories. With that, the conference continues to stand out above the rest of the Group of Five. On top of that, the league showed its depth this year when an early-season surprise made a weeknight statement.
Each week, we wonder if it can get any better for the American, and its teams continue to exceed expectations.
Rice Beats Charlotte in Thursday Night Showcase
Who would have thought Rice would start 3-1? The Owls beat Charlotte, 28-17, on Thursday night to begin 3-1 for the first time since 2001. Rice’s unique option offense catches the eyes, but it’s the defense that’s been winning these games. The Owls sacked Charlotte QBs Grayson Loftis and Conner Harrell six times.
The offense’s ability to chew clock and keep its defense rested surely plays a role in Rice’s impressive defensive showings so far. QB Chase Jenkins and RBs Quinton Jackson and Daelen Alexander all ran for over 70 yards apiece. The Owls totaled 255 rushing yards on fully 5.5 yards per carry.
Although Rice is 3-1, they face a difficult road ahead. The Owls still have Memphis, Navy, USF, and UTSA on their schedule. However, they no longer look like an easy win in the conference. A bowl game, their third in four years, looks like a realistic goal this season.
Had the CFB world on notice Thursday night 👀
— Rice Football (@RiceFootball) September 20, 2025
Join in on the hype as we return home Oct. 4 vs FAU 🎟️ https://t.co/oaKVLnaqEK#WE pic.twitter.com/Z80Xh0sR1c
Tulsa Beats Oklahoma State For the First Time in 27 Years
Sometimes you need a little luck to break a decades-long streak. Tulsa got it in their 19-12 win over Oklahoma State. The win snapped a ten-game losing streak in this series; this was Tulsa’s first win over the Cowboys since 1998. The Golden Hurricane stopped Oklahoma State on downs twice in Tulsa territory, including a game-saving goal-line stand at the Tulsa 5 in the third quarter.
Golden Hurricane RB Dominic Richardson headlined a gritty performance with 31 carries for 146 yards. Tulsa’s win shows the staggering depth of the American conference. While Memphis, Navy, North Texas, Tulane, and USF steal headlines, Tulsa shows that the league has plenty of formidable teams in the middle of the pack.
Statement made. #ReignCane pic.twitter.com/IuXbeKMBJG
— Tulsa Football (@TulsaFootball) September 22, 2025
Memphis Beats Arkansas in Dramatic Fashion
Memphis notched a Power Four win of their own this past weekend. The Tigers overcame an 18-point deficit to beat Arkansas, 32-31, in the schools’ first meeting since 1998. The Tigers rode a steady running game to victory. QB Brendon Lewis and RB Sutton Smith combined for 250 of Memphis’s 290 rushing yards.
Like Tulsa, the Tigers benefitted from a little luck. Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr. fumbled on the Memphis 7 with 1:18 left, ending a drive that would have at least provided a go-ahead field goal late.
Still, Memphis played more physically than their SEC opponent. This made a tremendous statement, both for the Tigers and the conference overall. Additionally, 199 passing yards and 103 rushing yards may have put Lewis, Memphis’s journeyman quarterback, on some people’s Heisman radar. At a minimum, his performance seemingly raised the Tigers’ ceiling. Memphis joins Tulane, USF, and North Texas as a would-be Playoff frontrunner from the American.
Answered the call 📞#ALLIN | @MaidenArrington pic.twitter.com/1pzqFk5Xgf
— Memphis Football (@MemphisFB) September 23, 2025
East Carolina, Temple, Tulane, and UAB Fall to Power Four Opponents
Despite Memphis and Tulsa’s successes, the conference also dropped four games to the Power Four opponents. Surprisingly, Temple may have provided the most competitive performance in these contests. The Owls hung around against #14 Georgia Tech, trailing just 21-14, in the fourth quarter.
Unfortunately, this was as close as they would get in what ultimately became a 45-24 loss. Owls QB Evan Simon had a career-high 68 rushing yards, but he struggled through the air. Simon completed just 13/32 passes, well below the standard he has set throughout the rest of his career. With that, Georgia Tech’s 307 rushing yards on just 30 carries proved to be too much. Nonetheless, Temple improved vastly from their 42-3 loss to Oklahoma. The Owls are no longer a punchline in the American.
Tulane became the biggest surprise in their Power Four games — and not in a good way. Many expected the Green Wave to compete against #13 Ole Miss and for good reason. Tulane entered their game with a 3-0 record and two Power Four wins. Unfortunately, this third time was not the charm.
The Green Wave lost, 45-10, and QB Jake Retzlaff may very well have played himself out of the Heisman race. Retzlaff completed just 5/17 passes for a mere 56 yards. He also failed to rush for a touchdown after running for six earlier this season. Still, Tulane remains a Playoff frontrunner with two prior Power Four wins.
East Carolina competed with BYU throughout a 34-13 loss, but two Katin Houser interceptions proved too much to overcome. Houser threw an interception at BYU’s goal line, followed by a pick-six. That’s a net 21-point swing. The Pirates also turned the ball over on downs in the red zone.
Pirate fans might find themselves thinking about this one for a while. They saw a lot of the missed opportunities. Not only that, but ECU as a whole missed an opportunity to insert itself into the conference’s crowded College Football Playoff discussion. The Pirates are still on track for a solid season, but this program has been looking to take the next step for a good, long time now.
Finally, UAB’s Jalen Kitna’s put up 364 yards in a 56-24 loss to Tennessee. As good as that is, the Blazers running game has become a concern. After running for 80 yards against a porous Akron defense, the Blazers could muster just 23 yards against the Volunteers. Kitna can only throw for so many times before defenses begin forcing UAB to run the damn ball.
Other Notes From Around the League
UTSA RB Robert Henry Jr. continued his amazing season for the Roadrunners in a 17-16 win over Colorado State. Not only did he have another 100-yard game, he also caught the game-winning touchdown. Henry ran for 144 yards and turned a short pass into a 75-yard go-ahead score.
Henry now has 624 yards in four games, putting his average over 150 yards per game and at nearly ten yards per carry. He looks like the best running back in the country. Despite Henry Jr.’s heroics, the Roadrunners still needed to stop a Colorado State two-point conversion with 29 seconds left to preserve victory.
Nnanna Anyanwu and Robert Henry Jr. have been recognized by the American Conference for their performances in the road win over Colorado State.#210TriangleOfToughness | #210wned pic.twitter.com/qu5keYUaEm
— UTSA Football 🏈 (@UTSAFTBL) September 22, 2025
South Florida scored touchdowns on defense and special teams to easily dispose of South Carolina State, 63-14. The Bulls tallied 504 total yards, 252 passing and 252 rushing.
Go Army! Beat ECU!!!
