American Conference's Projected Top 10 Players for 2026–27
2026-09-29
The American's top-player conversation changed dramatically after the portal. Je'Shawn Stevenson is the only returning 2025–26 all-conference selection in the league, while Wichita State's frontcourt and incoming guards, Memphis's transfers, and several new point guards reshape the field. This is an MMH editorial ranking, not a statistical forecast or the site's game-model output. See the conference preview for team context. North Texas roster outlook
EvanMiya's public 2026–27 player ratings were used as a cross-check, alongside previous production, expected role and current roster status. Its American BPR order begins with Will Berg, Jayden Reid, Sonny Wilson, Jaylen Lawal and Dillon Battie. The page displays a May 29 update timestamp; our order below is independent and accounts for the uncertainty of new roles. EvanMiya Player Ratings
Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook 2026–27 names Stevenson its American Player of the Year and Weeks its Newcomer of the Year. Its all-conference five are Weeks, Berg, Kanaan Carlyle, Stevenson and Justyn Fernandez (p. 78). All five make MMH's ten, although we weigh Berg's projected two-way impact slightly ahead of Stevenson and place other high-usage guards among them.
MMH projected top 10
1. Will Berg, Wichita State — center
Berg gives the preseason favorite a proven interior anchor. Wichita State retained him alongside Dillon Battie, TJ Williams and Noah Hill, then added guards who can get the ball to the frontcourt. His size and value at both ends make him a strong Player of the Year starting point. Wichita State's roster outlook
2. Je'Shawn Stevenson, North Texas — guard
The league's only returning all-conference player earned second-team all-conference honors in 2025–26 and is the Mean Green's established scorer. Blue Ribbon makes him its preseason Player of the Year. The case for No. 1 is straightforward: he has already produced against this conference. MMH places Berg narrowly ahead because of Wichita State's stronger projected team context and Berg's interior impact. North Texas all-conference release
3. Jordan Frison, Wichita State — guard
Frison averaged 16.7 points and 4.1 assists at Chattanooga and made 42% of his threes. Wichita State brought him in to add creation around a returning frontcourt. If that passing and shooting transfer to the American, he could be the most important newcomer on the favorite. Wichita State's Frison assessment
4. Jayden Reid, Memphis — guard
Reid started 28 of 34 games at Northwestern and averaged 10.1 points last season. He previously averaged 12.6 points, 3.6 assists and 1.8 steals at South Florida, so the American is familiar ground. Memphis needs him to set the pace for a talented but rebuilt group. Memphis transfer announcement
5. Tylik Weeks, Memphis — wing
Weeks led the Sun Belt with 19.7 points per game at Southern Miss, and Blue Ribbon picks him as the American's Newcomer of the Year. The scoring ability is clear, but Memphis has several new options who need touches. His place here assumes he can remain efficient in a shared offense against American defenses. Memphis signing release
6. Sonny Wilson, South Florida — guard
Wilson averaged 17.0 points and 4.6 assists at Toledo. Chris Mack's roster has no returners, which makes Wilson's lead-guard role especially important. His production gives USF a high ceiling, while the new group's fit adds uncertainty. USF roster overview
7. Justyn Fernandez, UAB — guard
Fernandez averaged 16.6 points and 4.6 rebounds at Delaware and started 28 games. Blue Ribbon puts him on its preseason all-conference team. His size and scoring give UAB a player who can carry offense, although he and Deuce Jones must sort out touches in a newly assembled backcourt. UAB roster overview
8. Cian Medley, East Carolina — guard
Medley's 10.5 points and 6.4 assists at Kent State make him the engine of ECU's sleeper case. If he creates efficient shots for Brycen Blaine and Kaseem Watson while protecting the ball, his value could exceed this spot. He must learn a nearly new roster. ECU roster announcement
9. Kanaan Carlyle, Florida Atlantic — guard
Carlyle returns as one of the Owls' familiar perimeter players amid major turnover, and Blue Ribbon selects him to its preseason all-conference team. He has the experience and opportunity for a larger leadership role; the ranking depends on a more consistent offensive season and enough support from the newcomers. FAU player bio
10. Jaylen Lawal, Tulsa — guard
Lawal scored 279 points in 38 games as a freshman and made 43 threes, including a 25-point game against Rice. EvanMiya is higher on his projected impact. MMH keeps him at No. 10 until he shows how his role grows in Tulsa's new backcourt, but the sophomore breakout case is strong. Tulsa player bio
Also in the conversation: Myles Rigsby and Kobi Williams (Tulsa), Dillon Battie and Jahari Long (Wichita State), Jordan Marsh (Temple), Jelani Hamilton (Florida Atlantic), Keyshuan Tillery (Charlotte) and Deuce Jones (UAB). Rigsby's continuity on Tulsa's 30-win team is valuable, while EvanMiya rates Battie and Hamilton highly. The conference has enough new faces that the top ten may change quickly once roles are visible. Wichita State roster · Tulsa roster · Temple roster · FAU roster · Charlotte signing · UAB signing
Editorial ranking as of September 29, 2026. Statistical averages and totals describe 2025–26 or earlier seasons. Eligibility and availability should be checked again before opening night.