College Football’s 2025 Week 0 is almost here, and excitement is building. Futures bets are still available for the American Conference! As squads prep for kickoff, now’s the time to study the numbers and get your wagers in. Tulane has been the conference standard, but UCF, and Cincinnati all recently captured titles before moving on. Who claims the crown this season? Let’s break down the AAC Preview and Best Bets!
College Football 2025: American Preview and Best Bets
Odds to Win the American in 2025
UTSA +410
Tulane +410
Navy +480
Memphis +500
South Florida +550
Army +1000
North Texas +1400
East Carolina +1500
Florida Atlantic +5500
Rice +7000
Tulsa +7500
UAB +8000
Temple +8000
Charlotte +8000
Navy Over 8.5 Regular Season Wins (-125)
Navy is coming off a strong 10-3 campaign, their best season since 2019. Head coach Brian Newberry enters year three after doubling wins from 2023 to 2024. His more modern scheme has replaced the traditional option attack, and 63% of production returns. Quarterback Blake Horvath excelled with 1,353 passing yards, 13 touchdowns, plus nearly 1,300 rushing yards and 17 scores on the ground. Playmaker Eli Heidenreich also returns after producing 1,115 yards and nine total touchdowns last season.
Defensively, Navy replaces some parts but still brings back 13 of 20 players who logged 100 or more snaps. Included are five defenders with at least five tackles for loss, plus experienced pieces in the secondary. Last season’s unit ranked inside the top 30 nationally in turnovers and red zone touchdown defense. The schedule presents challenges, with Notre Dame as the toughest matchup, but upsets remain possible. With key continuity and proven coaching, Navy looks capable of contending near the top of the AAC again.
South Florida Over 6.5 Regular Season Wins (-120)
Alex Golesh enters year three at South Florida after back-to-back 7-6 seasons. The Bulls lead the AAC in returning production, with 67% coming back, ranking 11th nationally. Quarterbacks Byrum Brown and Bryce Archie both return after splitting time due to Brown’s injury last season. Brown offers more mobility and efficiency, though Archie showed growth as a reliable passer late in the year. Overall, USF’s quarterback situation looks more stable than many conference rivals.
The Bulls must replace three running backs and two wide receivers, but Keshaun Singleton’s big-play ability provides a spark. Four transfer receivers join the roster, adding needed depth and experience. On defense, coordinator Todd Orlando helped elevate the group from disastrous in 2023 to somewhat improved last season. Thirteen of twenty key contributors return, plus 10 upperclassman transfers bring instant experience. With steady quarterback play and defensive progress, South Florida could challenge for more than just bowl eligibility in 2025.
UTSA American Champions (+410)
Jeff Traylor finally earned his first college head coaching role at UTSA in 2020 after years as a Texas high school legend and assistant coach. He quickly elevated the program, winning 32 games from 2021 to 2023 before a step back to 7-6 last season. Despite a 3-5 start in 2024, UTSA closed strong with four straight wins to finish above .500. The Roadrunners now return 64% of their overall production, including 82% of their offensive output. That continuity provides momentum entering 2025 and puts them near the top of the AAC in experience.
Quarterback Owen McCown leads the offense again after nearly 3,500 passing yards and 25 touchdowns, joined by eight other returning starters. Two starting offensive linemen who missed 2024 with injuries are also set to rejoin, strengthening the unit. Playmakers Robert Henry and five productive receivers are back, but defensive depth is thinner with just six proven returners. Transfers like Baylor’s Kaian Roberts-Day and TCU’s Shad Banks Jr. add impact talent across the front seven and secondary. With depth, size, and favorable matchups, UTSA looks primed to contend for an AAC championship in 2025.
