AMERICAN CONFERENCE 2028 SEASON PREVIEW SERIES
AMERICAN CONFERENCE QUARTERBACK RANKINGS
1. Locklan Hewlett – USF
2028: 3,431 Yds, 25 TD, 14 INT | 3 Rush TD
Career: 10,583 Yds, 84 TD, 24 INT | 8 Rush TD
Hewlett remains the gold standard at the position in the American. His rating reflects what the tape and numbers already say: elite efficiency, command, and consistency. While his interception total rose slightly in 2028, his completion rate and ability to control games kept USF operating at a championship level. Entering his final season, Hewlett is the most complete quarterback in the league and the safest bet to lead a title contender, especially if he can reverse his increasing interceptions trend.
2. Keke Jewel – Florida Atlantic
2028: 3,436 Yds, 37 TD, 6 INT | 166 Rush Yds
Career: 3,506 Yds, 37 TD, 6 INT | 168 Rush Yds
Jewel made the biggest leap of any quarterback in the conference last season. His combination of arm strength, improved accuracy, and decision-making turned FAU into one of the most explosive offenses in the AAC. The sample size is still smaller than others near the top, but his 2028 production and high rating justify his rise. If he backs it up, Jewel could challenge for the top spot.
3. Ryan Byrne – North Texas
2028: 3,279 Yds, 20 TD, 6 INT | 106 Rush Yds 1 Rush TD
Career: 11,124 Yds, 83 TD, 27 INT | 472 Rush Yds 6 Rush TD
Byrne’s ranking is driven by résumé and reliability. He has been one of the most productive quarterbacks in the country over multiple seasons, even if his rating trails some younger passers. North Texas continues to ask him to push the ball vertically, and while the efficiency fluctuates, his durability and experience keep him firmly in the top tier entering 2029.
4. Andrew Alford – Tulsa
2028: 3,130 Yds, 19 TD, 7 INT | 216 Rush Yds 4 Rush TD
Career: 9,446 Yds, 50 TD, 26 INT | 651 Rush Yds 10 Rush TD
Alford is the definition of steady. His numbers won’t always jump off the page, but his improved ball security and mobility give Tulsa balance offensively. With three seasons of meaningful production and a solid rating, Alford offers one of the higher floors in the conference. If the touchdown totals climb, his ceiling rises with them.
5. Jershaun Newton – Tulane
2028: 2,445 Yds, 16 TD, 15 INT | 447 Rush Yds 3 Rush TD
Career: 5,189 Yds, 60 TD, 33 INT | 601 Rush Yds 4 Rush TD
Newton remains one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks in the league. His arm talent and rushing ability are undeniable, and his rating reflects that upside. However, inconsistency and turnovers have followed him across multiple stops. If Tulane can stabilize his decision-making, Newton has the tools to outperform this ranking.
6. Zebulin Kinsey – Temple
2028: 2,567 Yds, 23 TD, 6 INT | 213 Rush Yds 2 Rush TD
Career: 2,754 Yds, 25 TD, 6 INT | 224 Rush Yds 2 Rush TD
Kinsey quietly put together one of the more efficient seasons in the AAC. His accuracy and touch downfield stand out, and his rating aligns with his on-field growth. Temple’s offense leaned heavily on him, and he responded with poise. With another full season as the unquestioned starter, Kinsey could push into the top four.
7. Brandon Chambers – UAB
2028: 2,457 Yds, 12 TD, 4 INT
Career: 2,457 Yds, 12 TD, 4 INT
Chambers doesn’t have the gaudy counting stats, but his efficiency and low turnover rate make him intriguing. UAB’s offense was more controlled than explosive, and Chambers executed that role well. His rating suggests room for growth, and if the Blazers open things up, he could climb quickly.
8. Jeremy Hecklinski – East Carolina
2028: 2,556 Yds, 16 TD, 12 INT
Career: 2,645 Yds, 17 TD, 12 INT
Hecklinski showed flashes of being more than just a system quarterback. His volume was high, and while the efficiency lagged at times, he proved he could handle a full season’s workload. ECU will need improved consistency, but the experience and rating keep him solidly in the middle tier.
9. Caesar Barbosa – UTSA
2028: 3,252 Yds, 22 TD, 7 INT | 31 Rush Yds 1 Rush TD
Career: 3,252 Yds, 22 TD, 7 INT | 31 Rush Yds 1 Rush TD
Barbosa’s numbers suggest he could be higher, but the eye test and rating reflect ongoing refinement. His arm strength is a weapon, and his production was strong in his first full season. UTSA will be betting on his continued development, especially in situational awareness and pocket management.
10. Rashaun Coleman – Memphis
2028: 2,686 Yds, 16 TD, 18 INT | 194 Rush Yds 3 Rush TD
Career: 2,686 Yds, 16 TD, 18 INT | 194 Rush Yds 3 Rush TD
Coleman brings athleticism and toughness, but turnovers remain the glaring concern. His rating reflects that volatility. Memphis has playmakers around him, which could help mask inconsistencies, but he’ll need to take a step forward as a decision-maker to move up the rankings.
11. Reggie Corbin – Rice
2028: N/A
Career: N/A
Corbin is a projection pick at this stage. His rating suggests raw tools rather than polish, and the lack of game data keeps him near the bottom. Rice is clearly intrigued by his athletic profile, but until he produces on the field, he remains an unknown.
12. DeAndrew Clark – Charlotte
2028: 1 Yd, 1 TD
Career: 1 Yd, 1 TD
Clark is largely untested at the collegiate level. While his rating is respectable and his athleticism is evident, there simply isn’t enough production to justify ranking him higher. Charlotte will be hoping his traits translate quickly into meaningful reps.
