We’ve wrapped up the regular season, which means it’s time to release our American All-Conference team. We used our all-encompassing player value stat, Total Points, along with other metrics and our scouting work as leading references in putting together our team of selections for 2025, plus some honorable mentions.

You can learn more about Total Points and the statistics referenced within this article here.

These picks are meant to honor this season’s best-of-the-best in the American Conference.

Offense

It was an incredible season for Byrum Brown and the Bulls, as he led them to their highest ranking in the AP polls since 2017 (#18). He did it both in the air and on the ground, throwing for over 3,000 passing yards and rushing for over 1,000 yards. He accumulated an impressive 42 total touchdowns and threw only 7 interceptions. He led the conference in Total Points by a decent margin with 126 points, which was 2nd best in the nation.

Caleb Hawkins had a similarly impressive season with the Mean Green as their top running back, amassing 200 carries for over 1200 yards and 23 touchdowns. The true freshman was a force between the tackles, as he used his brute force running style to break 50 tackles this season, which was tied for best in FBS. He finished 2nd best among all FBS running backs in the regular season with 69 Total Points. 

There’s rarely anybody as consistent as Brady Small out of Army, who makes his an appearance on our American All-Conference team for the second straight season. He was on our 2024 First Team All-American team, and he had another great year, leading the conference with 29 Total Points at center. He also ranked 2nd in the nation among all centers in run blocking.

Defense

On defense, linebackers Mac Harris from South Florida and Shad Banks Jr. from UTSA were both outstanding at their position. Harris led the nation in Total Points at linebacker with 64 points. He was highly productive with 100 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions including a 93 yard pick-six against South Carolina State. 

Banks was spectacular as well, as he finished the regular season with a 4th-best 54 Total Points among all linebackers. He was especially good in coverage, ranking 1st among all FBS linebackers in Pass Coverage Points.

Tulsa’s Elijah Green was far-and-away our highest scoring cornerback in the conference with 45 Total Points. His 5 interceptions sit at the top of the conference, along with his 2nd-best 8 pass breakups. His fellow teammate Zach Williams also had a fantastic season, sharing the lead for Total Points among safeties in the conference with South Florida’s Fred Gaskin with 37 points. 

Specialists

Tulane’s Patrick Duncan was very consistent this season for the Green Wave, converting on 89% of his field goal attempts while going 7-of-9 from 40+ yards and 40-of-41 in extra points. His longest on the year was 52 yards. He led the conference with 18 Total Points. 

Australian punter Angus Davies was an avid “footy” player growing up before giving American football a shot at Tulsa, and his leg talent clearly translated well. His longest on the year was a staggering 80 yards, which was best among all FBS punters. He was also accurate, landing 21 of his 47 punts inside the 20, with 7 going inside the 10. His 14 Total Points is tied for first in the conference. 

Rounding out the special teams selections is Charlotte returner Derrick Eley, whose burst and speed allowed him to average nearly 28 yards per kick return for 494 return yards in just six games. He earns the top spot for returners in the American Conference. 

Honorable Mentions

There were a few difficult selections this year on our American All-Conference team, and we thought it would be appropriate to choose some honorable mentions. 

North Texas QB Drew Mestemaker emerged as an impressive talent this season for the Mean Green, totaling 36 touchdowns on the year with just 7 interceptions. The redshirt freshman led the nation with over 4,000 passing yards and completed over 70% of his passes, which will surely catch the eyes of many programs in the country as a blue-chip transfer target. He finished second in the conference with 119 Total Points.

Tulsa’s Ray Coney deserves recognition as he finished the regular season tied for 5th in the nation with 128 tackles and had a solid 37 Total Points.

Temple’s Dane Atton was surgical this season for the Owls. He landed 27 of his 62 punts inside the 20, with 14 of those landing inside the 10. Both numbers are top 3 in the nation.

Last but not least, we have UAB’s Adam Lepkowski, who was a difficult snub from this year’s all-conference team. He finished the season tied for first place in Total Points among centers with Army’s Brady Small, and he was especially effective in pass protection in which he ranked 9th in FBS. 

Total Points, stats, and ranks as of 12/8/2025