IRVING, Texas – The American Conference will hold its annual Kickoff and Media Days for the first time in St. Petersburg, Florida on Thursday and Friday, July 23-24, at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront.
 
The Sunshine City will host the American’s signature preseason event for the first time, as all 14 head coaches and 28 student-athletes gather for two days of media interviews, and behind-the-scenes content creation and fan-friendly fun. Media availability will begin Thursday afternoon, July 23, and continue Friday, July 24. Friday’s program will feature opening remarks from Commissioner Tim Pernetti, followed by press conferences with each of the league’s 14 head coaches.
 
ESPN+ will provide live coverage of the Kickoff on Friday, July 24.
 
The American will open the doors to fans for an enhanced Kickoff experience. Attendees will enjoy unprecedented access to their favorite teams, including head coaches’ press conferences, photo opportunities, and meet-and-greets with head-coaches student-athletes. A detailed event schedule and the full list of participating student-athletes will be announced in early July.
 
The American had a highly successful 2025 football season, sending nine teams to Bowl Season, highlighted by Tulane earning a berth in the College Football Playoff as the No. 11 seed. Teams from the American recorded bowl victories over opponents from the Big 12, ACC, Conference USA, and Mountain West.
 
The American was one of only four conferences, joining the Big 12, Big Ten, and SEC, to have three teams finish with 11 wins during the 2025 season. Last season, the American was the only conference to beat teams from the Big 12, Big Ten, SEC and ACC in non-conference play.
 
 
SAVE THE DATES
2026 American Conference Kickoff and Media Days
Thursday-Friday, July 23-24
Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront
333 1^st St. SE | St. Petersburg, Florida
 
Registration information and a schedule of events will be forthcoming
 
 
2026 American Conference Head Coaches
Alex Mortensen, UAB
Jeff Monken, Army
Tim Albin, Charlotte
Blake Harrell, East Carolina
Zach Kittley, Florida Atlantic
Charles Huff, Memphis
Brian Newberry, Navy
Neal Brown, North Texas
Scott Abell, Rice
Brian Hartline, South Florida
K.C. Keeler, Temple
Jeff Traylor, UTSA
Will Hall, Tulane
Tre Lamb, Tulsa