We’ve finally reached the end of the regular season for #AmericasConference. Even as the race to the Conference Championship Game narrowed to three teams, multiple additional teams fought for bowl eligibility and for positioning for more attractive bowl opportunities. Per usual, it made for an enthralling week in the conference.
Without further ado, let’s go Around the American.
Tulane and North Texas Punch Tickets to the Conference Championship
Tulane and North Texas needed to take care of business after Navy’s Thanksgiving night masterclass. More on that later. North Texas punched its ticket to the Championship first with a 52-25 blowout win over Temple. The Mean Green earned its first conference championship game berth since 2022 and denied Temple its first bowl bid since 2019.
UNT QB Drew Mestemaker threw for 366 yards while RB Caleb Hawkins ran for 186 yards and four touchdowns. In prior weeks, we’ve advocated for Hawkins’s All-American candidacy. With season totals of 1550 yards from scrimmage and 26 touchdowns, Hawkins has actually become deserving of Heisman consideration.
This win marked the third straight game in which North Texas scored at least 50 points and the fifth time 50-burger in their last six contests. This offense can compete with many teams in the College Football Playoff field.
Tulane then punched its ticket in much less glamorous fashion. The 9-2, #24-ranked Green Wave lumbered to a 27-0 win over lowly Charlotte (1-10). The Green Wave’s 14 first quarter points could have been enough by themselves. The Green Wave defense held the 49ers to all of 140 yards of total offense. Charlotte ran for -3 yards. Nonetheless, the win came with concerns. Charlotte intercepted Tulane QB Jake Retzlaff twice. The 49ers had previously intercepted just three passes all year. Retzlaff’s interceptions might cause concern against a ball-hawking North Texas secondary that has 13 interceptions on the season.
In all likelihood, Tulane and North Texas will battle for a College Football Playoff spot. The Championship Game kicks Friday night at 8:00 PM Eastern on ABC.
Its Champ Week! After 14 weeks it all comes down to this. @MeanGreenFB and @GreenWaveFB face off for the American title. @M_Trivelpiece and @Kyle_Youmans breakdown each team and the keys to the game. Along with why the winner deserves to be in the CFP https://t.co/4Nn8Zb3X6j
— The American (@American_Conf) December 1, 2025
Navy Beats Memphis on Thanksgiving
Navy faced a must-win situation to keep its American Conference Championship hopes alive, and they delivered. The Midshipmen turned in a 28-17 statement victory on Thanksgiving night to win its first Turkey Day game since the McKinley Administration (1898). The Midshipmen were not as explosive as usual, but their steady downhill rushing performance wore the Memphis defense down. The Mids finished with 200 yards on 60 carries for an unimpressive 3.3 yards per carry, but that proved just enough to consistently move the chains. Navy looked more like Army with their 13-play, 73-yard game-clinching touchdown drive that gave the Mids a 28-17 lead with just 5:53 left in regulation. In all, that drive took 8:19 seconds off the clock.
Although the Mids did not get the wins they needed from either Charlotte and Temple, they still stand to play a Power Four opponent in a prestigious bowl for the second season in a row.
Hey all you cool cats and kittens, check out last night's highlights.#GoNavy | @NavyFB pic.twitter.com/BoyAE7HWny
— Navy Athletics (@NavyAthletics) November 28, 2025
Other Notes From Around the League
ECU QB Katin Houser accounted for four touchdowns, bringing his season total to 28 in a 42-3 demolition of FAU. In a losing effort, FAU WR Easton Messer caught ten passes to bring his season total to 104. It’s a shame that Messer was not named a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award. With the win, East Carolina reached the eight-win mark in back-to-back years for the first time since 2013 and 2014. With all the chaos hitting the conference at the close of this season, ECU could very well become a front-runner next season if they can keep most of that squad together.
South Florida QB Bynum Brown threw for 275 yards and ran for 104 more while accounting for five touchdowns in the Bulls’ 52-3 win over Rice. Brown exceeded the 3000-yard passing mark and 1000-yard rushing mark on the season. He now has 42 touchdowns on the year as well. The resurgent Bulls won nine games for the first time since 2017. Rice sought to make its third bowl game in the last four years but needed a win.
Finally, RB Jevon Jackson ran for 117 yards and a pair of touchdowns to give UAB a 31-24 win over Tulsa. Both schools ended the year with 4-8 records.
With Conference Championship Week here at last, stay tuned! We’re in for an exciting finish to the 2025 season.
Go Army! Beat Navy!!!
