What is the American Conference?
The American Conference (formerly the American Athletic Conference) is the strongest of the "Group of Five" football conferences and a Division I league across the full sports program, formed in 2013 from the football side of the old Big East.[1] [2]
Members and sports
Members include Memphis, Tulane, South Florida, UTSA, Temple, East Carolina and Navy (football). The conference sponsors championships across the NCAA sports, including swimming & diving.[1]
Since when does it exist?
Created in 2013 when the original Big East split; rebranded as the American Conference in 2025.[1] [2]
Why does the American Conference matter?
The American has repeatedly placed teams in New Year's Six bowls and produced College Football Playoff participants (Cincinnati, before its Big 12 move) — the strongest non-power conference claim in football, with correspondingly strong national visibility.[1] [2]
References
- American Conference — official site. Accessed August 2026.
- NCAA — About the NCAA. Accessed August 2026.