Photo Credit: American Conference
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Memphis enters the 2026–27 American Conference basketball conversation with something to prove and a prominent preseason endorsement. However, Wichita State and North Texas sit close behind in one published forecast. According to NCAA Basketball Report, Blue Ribbon picks Memphis first, Wichita State second, and North Texas third. Those selections represent Blue Ribbon’s projections. They do not represent an official American Conference coaches’ poll. The distinction matters as the league approaches American Tipoff on October 11–12 in Tampa. Coaches and players will gather at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. ESPN+ will carry live coverage Monday, October 12, beginning at 8 a.m. Eastern. For now, Memphis offers the most intriguing combination of preseason confidence and questions about its roster. Penny Hardaway’s Tigers finished 13–19 last season, including an 8–10 conference record. Nevertheless, Blue Ribbon expects a substantial rebound after Hardaway overhauled his roster and coaching staff.
That prediction places immediate pressure on Memphis to turn new talent into consistent basketball. Recruiting headlines can generate excitement. Winning requires players who share the ball, defend together, and handle adversity. Tylik Weeks gives the Tigers a clear reason for optimism. The Southern Miss transfer averaged 19.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists last season. He reached double figures in 32 of 34 appearances and earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors. Furthermore, Blue Ribbon projects Weeks as the American’s Newcomer of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection. Memphis needs his production to translate against a different collection of opponents. His scoring history makes him a player worth watching immediately. Meanwhile, Wichita State carries its own compelling case under Paul Mills. Blue Ribbon’s second-place projection suggests the Shockers belong near the front of the championship discussion.
William Berg provides an important presence inside. Wichita State’s preseason reporting highlights his offensive rebounding, passing, and potential to expand his shooting range. A dependable interior threat can give guards easier decisions and punish opponents who surrender second chances. However, the Shockers also must replace Karon Boyd’s defensive versatility. Mills faces the challenge of assigning those responsibilities across several players. My assessment: Wichita State could challenge Memphis if its defense remains dependable while newcomers develop chemistry. North Texas completes Blue Ribbon’s projected top three. Daniyal Robinson leads the Mean Green. Je’Shawn Stevenson and Cole Franklin join the program’s scheduled American Tipoff lineup. Third place offers a strong starting position, but it guarantees nothing. North Texas must convert that preseason respect into wins. The difference between contending and chasing often comes down to protecting possessions and surviving difficult road stretches.
Meanwhile, South Florida deserves attention beyond the published top three. The Bulls finished 25–9 last season and captured both American regular-season and tournament championships. Now, Chris Mack takes over a team with substantial roster changes. Veteran guards Mike James and Sonny Wilson serve as captains. Together, they bring 185 collegiate appearances and 2,094 career points into the season. Their experience gives Mack an established leadership foundation. Additionally, USF announced Josh Omojafo’s return on October 7. He averaged 11.3 points and 5.3 rebounds while starting 32 games last season. His return gives the Bulls a familiar contributor from their championship team.
Still, USF must navigate AJ Dancler’s absence after knee surgery ended his chances of playing this season. That setback increases the importance of dependable guard play and contributions throughout the rotation. Elsewhere, UAB, Florida Atlantic, Tulane, Tulsa, Temple, Charlotte, East Carolina, Rice, and UTSA complete the conference’s 13-team field. Each has opportunities to disrupt the early forecast once games begin. For my preseason outlook, Memphis carries the strongest published endorsement. Wichita State looks like a serious challenger, while North Texas commands respect. USF remains a team I would watch closely as Mack establishes his system. October predictions create conversation. November basketball starts testing them. By March, the American’s best team must prove far more than its placement in a preseason forecast.
Author Profile
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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.
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