And for the first time, The American will invite fans to its annual event marking the opening of the college football season.
Temple University will be represented by its head coach. Stan Draytonand two graduate students (defensive tackles). Demerick Morris Wide Receiver Dante WrightMorris is in his fifth season with the Owls, appearing in 23 games in 2021-22 but missing most of 2023 due to injury. His return to the lineup is expected to strengthen the team's run defense. Wright, who will transfer to Temple in 2023, was the Owls' leading wide receiver last year with 39 receptions for 507 yards and four touchdowns. For his work, he was selected as a preseason All-AAC selection by Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.
A total of 28 student-athletes are expected to participate in this year's kickoff, scheduled to be held in Arlington for the second consecutive year. Media sessions will begin at 2 p.m. CST on Monday, followed by a press conference with the 14 head coaches on Tuesday morning. Results of the American's preseason media poll will be announced at 8 a.m. CST (9 a.m. ET), with Commissioner Tim Pernetti providing commentary at 8:15 a.m. CST (9:15 a.m. ET) on Tuesday.
A limited number of fans will be able to experience the 2024 kickoff in person and have unprecedented access to players and coaches. Fans will have the opportunity to sit in on press conferences, participate in photo ops and enjoy interactions with student-athletes and coaches.
Fans who would like to attend the 2024 Kickoff can www.TheAmerican.org/AACKickoff
Eight of the 28 student-athletes taking part in this year's kickoff earned all-conference honors last season, including University of Memphis linebacker Chandler Martin, Navy linebacker Collin Ramos and Tulane University defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins, who was named to the 2023 first-team all-conference.
Live coverage of the American Kickoff will air on Tuesday, July 22 at 9 a.m. ET with Morgan Oeber, Rene Ingoglia, Taylor McHargue and Brooke Kirchhofer interviewing coaches and student-athletes from all 14 teams. ESPN+ will air this coverage as well as a second feed featuring full-length press conferences with the head coaches.
Loews Arlington is conveniently located about 20 minutes from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Texas Live, between Globe Life Field and Choctaw Stadium, across from AT&T Stadium.
