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IRVING, Texas \u2013 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.
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\nThe Sunshine City will host the American\u2019s 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\u2019s program will feature opening remarks from Commissioner Tim Pernetti, followed by press conferences with each of the league\u2019s 14 head coaches.
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\nESPN+ will provide live coverage of the Kickoff on Friday, July 24.
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\nThe American will open the doors to fans for an enhanced Kickoff experience. Attendees will enjoy unprecedented access to their favorite teams, including head coaches\u2019 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.
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\nThe 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.
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\nThe 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.
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\nSAVE THE DATES
\n2026 American Conference Kickoff and Media Days
\nThursday-Friday, July 23-24
\nHilton St. Petersburg Bayfront<\/a>
\n333 1st St. SE | St. Petersburg, Florida
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\nRegistration information and a schedule of events will be forthcoming
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\n2026 American Conference Head Coaches
\nAlex Mortensen, UAB
\nJeff Monken, Army
\nTim Albin, Charlotte
\nBlake Harrell, East Carolina
\nZach Kittley, Florida Atlantic
\nCharles Huff, Memphis
\nBrian Newberry, Navy
\nNeal Brown, North Texas
\nScott Abell, Rice
\nBrian Hartline, South Florida
\nK.C. Keeler, Temple
\nJeff Traylor, UTSA
\nWill Hall, Tulane
\nTre Lamb, Tulsa
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