Photo Credit: USF Athletics
0
0
Four weeks have changed the outlook for several American Conference programs. Five coaches entered 2026 with new head-coach responsibilities. Four took over completely new programs this season. Alex Mortensen entered his first full season at UAB after serving as interim coach. Now, the early results provide enough evidence for some initial grades. The grades remain early, though. Conference play has only started for several teams. Therefore, September does not define these coaches’ entire seasons.
Brian Hartline, South Florida — A
Brian Hartline could not have asked for a better start at South Florida. The Bulls entered 2026 with major expectations after a nine-win season. Hartline replaced Alex Golesh, who left for Auburn. USF immediately showed signs of Hartline’s influence. The Bulls opened with a 19-9 victory over FIU. Then, USF had a close game versus Army before crushing Delaware State 59-17. The Bulls followed that performance with a 14-6 comeback against Bowling Green. The Bowling Green game exposed some offensive concerns.
USF produced only 214 total yards and struggled through three quarters. However, Hartline’s team still found a way to win. The Bulls scored twice during the fourth quarter. D.J. Crowther rushed for 143 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown. Meanwhile, the defense continued keeping opponents within reach. USF now sits at 4-0 and 1-0 in conference play. That represents the program’s best start since 2018. Hartline also owns the second-best start by a first-year USF head coach. Only Charlie Strong’s 7-0 beginning in 2017 ranks higher. Grade: A
Charles Huff, Memphis — B+
Charles Huff has given Memphis plenty to like through four games. The Tigers started 3-0 before Boise State handed them their first loss. Memphis then responded with a 45-21 victory over UT Martin. Memphis opened the season with a 27-21 win over UNLV. The Tigers then defeated Arkansas State 42-24. The Boise State loss provided the biggest early test. Memphis scored 20 points but allowed 38 points in the defeat. Still, Huff quickly stabilized the program after that setback. Memphis produced more than 500 yards in three straight games. That offensive production stands out during Huff’s first month. The Tigers also sit at 3-1 entering conference play. Memphis begins American Conference action Saturday at Charlotte. Huff has created momentum, but the conference schedule will provide tougher tests. Grade: B+
Neal Brown, North Texas — B
Neal Brown’s first month at North Texas has produced plenty of offense. The Mean Green opened against defending national champion Indiana. North Texas lost 52-16, but the team remained competitive into the fourth quarter. North Texas responded with a 44-6 victory over UNLV. However, Texas State then defeated the Mean Green 49-35. Brown’s offense bounced back again during Week 4. North Texas destroyed Houston Christian 63-14. Jahiem White rushed for 133 yards and four touchdowns. The Mean Green finished September at 2-2. The offense already looks dangerous under Brown. Tayven Jackson also threw for 483 yards against Texas State. However, the defense needs significant improvement before conference play begins. North Texas allowed 49 points against Texas State. The Mean Green also surrendered 52 points against Indiana. Brown has shown that his offense can produce quickly. The next step involves making North Texas more consistent defensively. Grade: B
Will Hall, Tulane — B-
Will Hall entered a difficult situation at Tulane. The Green Wave won the American Conference championship last season. Tulane also reached the College Football Playoff under former coach Jon Sumrall. Hall therefore inherited enormous expectations. The first four games produced mixed results. Tulane opened with a 17-3 loss at Duke. The Green Wave then defeated South Alabama 28-24. Kansas State followed with a 31-20 victory over Tulane. Tulane finally reached 2-2 with a 24-21 victory over Southern Miss. That win carried extra significance because Hall previously coached Southern Miss. Tulane needed a late surge to escape with the victory. Still, the offense has not consistently matched last year’s standard. Quarterbacks play now represents a major question heading into conference play. Freshman Trace Johnson could receive an expanded opportunity. Tulane remains dangerous, but Hall needs more consistency. Grade: B-
Alex Mortensen, UAB — B+
Alex Mortensen entered 2026 with valuable experience. UAB promoted Mortensen after he served as the interim coach for the final six games last season. He went 2-4 during that interim stretch. The Blazers opened this season with a 42-23 loss at Illinois. They then defeated Louisiana-Monroe 26-20. Louisiana beat UAB 21-14 during Week 3. However, Mortensen’s team delivered its biggest statement against Navy. UAB defeated Navy 24-20 on September 25. The victory moved the Blazers to 2-2 overall and 1-0 in conference play. The defense made the difference against the Midshipmen. UAB forced two fourth-quarter turnovers and stopped Navy’s rushing attack when it mattered. That performance showed real growth from Mortensen’s team. UAB still needs more consistency, especially against quality opponents. However, the Navy victory provides a strong foundation. Grade: B+
What Comes Next?
The first four weeks have created several intriguing storylines around the American Conference. Hartline has South Florida undefeated and playing meaningful conference football already. Huff has Memphis entering league play with plenty of offensive confidence. Brown has North Texas moving the football at a high level. Hall has work to do with Tulane’s offense. Meanwhile, Mortensen has UAB coming off its biggest win of the young season. Still, conference play will provide the real measuring stick. USF already owns a conference victory over Bowling Green’s future schedule classification. UAB also opened league play with its Navy victory. Memphis, North Texas, and Tulane now face the next phase of their seasons. The first month provided clues. The next several weeks will provide answers. For now, Hartline has the strongest early results among the new American Conference head coaches. However, the remaining four still have plenty of time to change their grades.
Do you agree with the above grades?
Author Profile
-
Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
Latest entries
AAC FootballOctober 3, 2026AAC New Coach Grades After Four Weeks
FootballOctober 2, 2026Pinellas Football Week 7: County Games to Watch
GolfOctober 2, 2026Team USA Still Has Work Before 2027 Ryder Cup
FootballOctober 2, 2026Bucs vs Packers: Tampa Bay Turns to Jalon Daniels
About the Author
