Navy Leads the Way as Athlon Sports Reveals 2026 American Conference All-Conference Team

The countdown to the 2026 college football season has already begun, and Athlon Sports has added plenty of excitement with its preseason American Conference Football All-Conference Team. Compiled by senior editor Steven Lassan, the list highlights the players expected to make the biggest impact once the season kicks off.

These selections are projections rather than awards for last season’s performance. Even so, they offer an early look at which programs appear ready to compete for conference supremacy. Several familiar names earned recognition, while a handful of rising stars now have an opportunity to prove the preseason predictions right.

Navy Sets the Standard With Conference-Leading Selections

Navy / IG / Navy led every program with 13 All-Conference selections, showing just how much talent returns to Annapolis this fall.

The Midshipmen enter the season with high expectations and a roster loaded with experienced contributors on both sides of the ball.

UTSA, Memphis, and Temple finished close behind with 12 selections each. That balance reflects how competitive the American Conference has become. Several programs appear capable of challenging for the conference championship, making every league matchup important from the opening weekend.

The strong showing for Navy speaks to more than individual talent. Returning starters, experienced leadership, and roster continuity often shape preseason rankings. Athlon Sports clearly believes the Midshipmen have enough proven players to remain among the conference’s strongest contenders.

Army also earned plenty of respect throughout the selections. Although it finished behind Navy in total representatives, several Black Knights landed on the first team. Those choices reinforce the belief that Army should remain one of the conference’s toughest opponents throughout the upcoming season.

Preseason honors always create conversation because they reflect expectations instead of final results. Injuries, breakout performances, and unexpected surprises can quickly change the landscape once games begin. Still, these selections provide an early snapshot of where the conference currently stands.

Owen McCown Headlines a Loaded First-Team Offense

UTSA quarterback Owen McCown enters the season carrying significant expectations after earning the first-team quarterback spot. His leadership and passing ability make him one of the conference’s most closely watched players. The Roadrunners will rely heavily on him to keep their offense moving throughout the season.

The backfield also features impressive talent. North Texas running back Jahiem White earned first-team honors alongside Tulane’s Jamauri McClure. UTSA’s Will Henderson III claimed the all-purpose position after showing the versatility needed to impact games in multiple ways.

The receiving group includes several explosive playmakers capable of stretching opposing defenses. Easton Messer from Florida Atlantic, JoJo Bermudez from Temple, David Amador from UTSA, and Brock Spalding from East Carolina all earned first-team recognition after showing impressive potential entering the new season.

Temple tight end Peter Clarke rounds out the group of primary pass catchers. His ability to contribute as both a receiver and blocker gives the Owls another dependable weapon. Reliable tight ends often become valuable safety valves during difficult offensive possessions.

The remaining offensive line features Adam Lepkowski from UAB, Cam Nichols from Navy, Eric King from Temple, and Vincent Fiacable from Florida Atlantic. Together, they represent several of the conference’s strongest returning linemen entering the 2026 campaign.

Defensive Stars and Specialists Could Shape the Season

Tapp / IG / Memphis defensive lineman J’Mond Tapp joins CJ Doggette Jr. from Florida Atlantic, Jack Bousum from Army, and Jasiyah Robinson from East Carolina to form an impressive defensive front.

Each player brings a different strength to the line. Some excel at pressuring quarterbacks, while others consistently stop the run. Their ability to disrupt offenses could become one of the biggest storylines across the American Conference this season.

The linebacker unit combines athleticism with experience. Navy’s MarcAnthony Parker, Florida Atlantic’s Leon Hart, Temple’s Curly Ordonez, and Memphis linebacker Mike Montgomery all earned first-team recognition. Their versatility allows them to contribute against both the run and the pass.