The AAC is being retired as a conference abbreviation.
The conference, formerly the Big East from 1979-2013, will be known as the American Conference going forward. It is dropping athletic from its official name and the AAC abbreviation.
This streamlined name, already used colloquially by our fans and the media, reinforces a sharper, more modern identity,” the conference states its on website. “It eliminates confusion with other similarly named organizations and ensures consistent recognition among partners and the public. We are officially transitioning from ‘American Athletic Conference’ (and an often-misunderstood acronym, AAC) to ‘American Conference’ on first reference, and ‘American’ in subsequent references. In short, our name now unequivocally matches our bold ambition and distinct presence.
Another part of the rebrand is the introduction of a conference mascot, Soar the Eagle.
Introducing @Soar_TheEagle
— The American (@American_Conf) July 21, 2025
The edge, the energy, the emblem of the American.#BuiltToRise pic.twitter.com/jo75uYikSU
The American is a 14-member football conference in the Group of 5. Army won the American last year, going 8-0 in conference competition during the regular season and defeating Tulane 35-14 in the conference championship game. The Black Knights finished the 2024 season with a record of 12-2, losing only to Notre Dame and Navy.
Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaigns of Fred Taylor and Andruw Jones.
