AAC betting preview, odds, prediction: UTSA could stand out in 2026

Anchored by Tulane, Memphis, Navy, North Texas, USF and Army, the AAC was the standout conference in the Group of 5 over the past two seasons.That may change in 2026.The Power 4 vultures circle positive momentum in the lower ranks, and the AAC’s best programs were picked apart by deep-pocketed bluebloods in the major conferences.Ryan Silverfield (Memphis to Arkansas), Alex Golesh (USF to Auburn), Eric Morris (North Texas to Oklahoma State), and Jon Sumrall (Tulane to Florida) all depart the AAC after leading their programs to new heights, ushering in another new era in the conference.Several of the standout players from last season have also moved on.

Some to bigger programs like Drew Mestemaker (North Texas to Oklahoma State) and Byrum Brown (USF to Auburn).Others, like Navy’s do-it-all quarterback Blake Horvath, have graduated.It’s a whole new ballgame in the AAC.The top of the AAC is vulnerable.Every one of the conference’s best teams from the past two seasons has undergone significant change, and it’s anybody’s guess how the chips will fall.That is great news for UTSA.While the Roadrunners’ defense will have plenty of new faces in its ranks in 2026, the key parts of its dynamic offense return.

So do head coach Jeff Traylor and his longtime defensive coordinator Jess Loep.That right there is a terrific foundation in a conference that feels like it’s starting over.But this isn’t stability for stability’s sake; there’s some serious positive momentum behind UTSA.The jump from C-USA to the AAC is quite a big one, but Traylor’s teams have performed admirably, going 23-16 since the leap.Catch up on The Post’s college football betting predictions and previews for the 2026 seasonThings should be even brighter this year.Quarterback Owen McCown returns along with two of his top three pass-catchers from 2025, and the offensive line has plenty of experience.The Roadrunners were explosive last year and are expected to be even more so this time aro...