Home / Sports / Tulane Wins, North Texas Surprises in American's CFB Year
Tulane Wins, North Texas Surprises in American's CFB Year
10 Dec
Summary
- Tulane capped a remarkable season by winning the conference title.
- North Texas saw a zero-star recruit become the nation's leading passer.
- American Conference teams earned playoff spots in the 12-team era.
The 2025 American Conference season was marked by thrilling upsets and unexpected heroes, solidifying its place in the 12-team College Football Playoff era. Tulane concluded their impressive campaign by clinching the conference title, providing an emotional farewell for coach Jon Sumrall in his final game with the team before moving to Florida. This championship win served as a powerful narrative amidst the often-unpredictable landscape of college football coaching changes.
Emerging as the season's biggest positive surprise, North Texas defied all expectations. Quarterback Drew Mestemaker, a recruit with no high school starts and a zero-star rating, transformed into the nation's leading passer under coach Eric Morris. This remarkable turnaround story highlights the potential for overlooked talent to shine on the collegiate stage, captivating fans and setting a new benchmark for player development.
Beyond these standout stories, the conference witnessed a dynamic mix of success and disappointment. Teams like Memphis and USF failed to meet high preseason expectations, while Charlotte endured a difficult season. Despite the fluctuations, the conference proved its mettle, with its champion securing a coveted playoff spot, signaling a strong overall performance throughout the 2025 season.
