Way Too Early 2026-27 American Athletic Conference (AAC) Rankings (Post-Transfer Portal)

The AAC has 13 teams for the 2026-27 season. These rankings are ordered primarily by 2025-26 KenPom offensive efficiency (AdjO + national rank), with returning production, net portal impact, and specific player movement as key factors. Each team includes both offense and defense.

1. South Florida Bulls

(2025-26 AdjO: 117.7, #59 | AdjD: 100.8, #41)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Top 3 leading scorers from their NCAA Tournament team leaving.

Biggest additions: Joshua Lewis from UL Lafayette (8.1 PPG, 51.4 FG%, 44.4 3PT% as a freshman), Sonny Wilson from Toledo (17.0 PPG, 49.0 FG%), and Mike James from Vanderbilt (all high-upside transfers expected to contribute immediately).

Biggest losses: Wes Enis (16.4 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 2.4 APG), De'Ante Green (6.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG), and Caleb Sanders (2.8 PPG, 1.5 RPG) all entered the transfer portal.

Strong annual contender with one of the better portal hauls in the league.

2. Memphis Tigers

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.5 , #207 | AdjD: 104.7, #86)

Net Change: Better. Coming off a 13-19 season which is tied for the program's most losses in a single season in over 50 years, dating back to 1969-70. Memphis is looking to rebound strongly.

Biggest additions: Pitt transfer Brandin Cummings (12.5 PPG) and Washington State transfer Rihards Vavers (41.2% from 3PT as a junior — one of the best shooters in the portal).

Biggest losses: Curtis Givens III (9.4 PPG, 36.5% from 3PT) transferred to Ohio State.

One of the top projected teams in the AAC with a strong portal haul and solid defensive foundation last season.

3. Wichita State Shockers

(2025-26 AdjO: 113.1, #105 | AdjD: 101.6, #46)

Net Change: Neutral to better.  

Biggest additions: George Mason transfer Jahari Long (12.2 PPG, 4.0 APG, 37.7% 3PT), Dayton transfer Bryce Heard (6.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG)

Biggest losses: Key contributors entered the portal.

Competitive upper tier. They had a top 50 ranked defense a season ago.

4. Tulsa Golden Hurricane

(2025-26 AdjO: 120.0 , #43 | AdjD: 106.4, #116)

Net Change: Neutral to worse — significant turnover. Coming off one of the league’s better offenses (ranked #43 nationally in 2025-26).

Biggest additions: Jeremiah Johnson (transfer from Campbell, 14.8 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 2.6 APG), Mike Williams (transfer from Seton Hall, 11.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 37.8% from 3PT), Macon Emory (transfer from Delaware, 9.7 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 1.8 APG)

Biggest losses: Tylen Riley (15.0 PPG, 4.4 APG, 38.9 3PT%) transferred to Cincinnati and Ade Popoola (10.8 PPG, 40.9 3PT%) transferred to DePaul.

Rebuild in the backcourt and perimeter despite last season’s offensive success. Still a lot of talent.

5. North Texas Mean Green

(2025-26 AdjO: 103.7, #275| AdjD: 101.0, #43)

Net Change: Neutral. Mixed returning production with strong defense.

Biggest additions: Athletic wings and scorers.

Biggest losses: Moderate turnover.

Competitive in the middle. They had a top 50 defesne a season ago.

6. Charlotte 49ers

(2025-26 AdjO: 113.4, #104| AdjD: 114.5, #285)

Net Change: Neutral to better. Portal-focused rebuild.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter talent.

Biggest losses: Leading scorers departed.

Potential upside if transfers mesh.

7. Florida Atlantic Owls

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.0 , #155 | AdjD: 106.4, #115)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Significant turnover.

Biggest additions: Freshmen and portal depth.

Biggest losses: Key scorers entered the portal.

Rebuilding year.

8. Temple Owls

(2025-26 AdjO: 112.0, #120 | AdjD: 111.2, #213)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Some scoring losses.

Biggest additions: Transfer guards for playmaking.

Biggest losses: Rotation players departed.

Rebuilding but retains enough tools.

9. UAB Blazers

(2025-26 AdjO: 110.2, #151 | AdjD: 106.4, #117)

Net Change: Neutral. Balanced returning production.

Biggest additions: Perimeter creators and frontcourt depth.

Biggest losses: Moderate turnover. Battle for upper-middle of the standings.

10. Tulane Green Wave

(2025-26 AdjO: 107.9, #192 | AdjD: 111.3, #216)

Net Change: Neutral.  Balanced returning production.

Biggest additions: Athletic perimeter talent and frontcourt depth.

Biggest losses: Moderate turnover. Competitive in the middle with good system continuity.

11. Rice Owls

(2025-26 AdjO: 108.9, #177 | AdjD: 113.8, #270)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. High turnover.

Biggest additions: Lower-level transfers.

Biggest losses: Multiple rotation players. Lower-mid outlook.

12. East Carolina Pirates

(2025-26 AdjO: 103.9, #274 | AdjD: 111.0, #212)

Net Change: Neutral. Balanced production.

Biggest additions: Portal wings and guards.

Biggest losses: Key contributors left.

Mid-low pack projection.

13. UTSA Roadrunners

(2025-26 AdjO: 99.9, #325 | AdjD: 118.2, #331)

Net Change: Neutral to worse. Heavy roster changes.

Biggest additions: Portal role players.

Biggest losses: Key veterans departed.

Likely near the basement.

American Athletic Conference Big Picture for 2026-27

South Florida and Memphis stand out with the strongest offensive baseline and one of the best portal hauls. South Florida made a strong splash by adding Joshua Lewis, Sonny Wilson, and Mike James while losing their 3 leading scorers including Wes Enis to the portal while also losing De'Ante Green and Caleb Sanders. Memphis looks to rebound from their worst season in decades. Tulsa and Wichita State also added guard talent with the departure of their leading scorer a season ago. Expect 1 NCAA bid, with South Florida and Memphis as the clear favorites.