Temple University Athletics
American Conference 2026 Football Kickoff and Media Days Set for St. Petersburg
5.19.26 | Football
IRVING, Texas – The American Conference announced Tuesday morning that its annual Football Kickoff and Media Days will be held in St. Petersburg, Florida, for the first time on Thursday and Friday, July 23-24, at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront.
The Sunshine City will host the American's signature preseason event for the first time, as all 14 head coaches and 28 student‑athletes will 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's program will feature opening remarks from Commissioner Tim Pernetti, followed by press conferences with each of the league's 14 head coaches.
ESPN+ will provide live coverage of the Kickoff on Friday, July 24.
The American will open the doors to fans for an enhanced Kickoff experience. Attendees will enjoy unprecedented access to their favorite teams, including head coaches' press conferences, photo opportunities, and meet‑and‑greets with head-coaches and student‑athletes. A detailed event schedule and the full list of participating student‑athletes will be announced in early July.
The 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.
The 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.
Temple head coach K.C. Keeler will be joined by the following 2026 American Conference head coaches: Alex Mortensen, UAB; Jeff Monken, Army; Tim Albin, Charlotte; Blake Harrell, East Carolina; Zach Kittley, Florida Atlantic; Charles Huff, Memphis; Brian Newberry, Navy; Neal Brown, North Texas; Scott Abell, Rice; Brian Hartline, South Florida; Jeff Traylor, UTSA; Will Hall, Tulane; and Tre Lamb, Tulsa.
