South Florida dual-threat quarterback Byrum Brown is fun to watch. Thanks to him, USF is a contender in the American. Tulane has plenty of depth with Oregon transfer Ty Thompson and Kai Horton, too.

The preseason favorite is Memphis, though, and that's in no small part because of Seth Henigan. In three years as the starter, he's thrown for 3,300-plus yards at 8.0 yards per attempt or greater each season. Henigan is a proven star within the conference.

No surprise here. Kaidon Salter flourished in Jamey Chadwell's offensive system, one that showcased the quarterback's mobility and launched the Flames to a Conference USA title and New Year's Six bowl.

Salter threw for 2,876 yards at 9.9 per attempt—the fourth-best rate in the nation—with 32 scores to six interceptions. On the ground, he scampered for 1,089 yards and 12 more touchdowns. Salter's production may drop a little in 2024, but he'll be a feared matchup.

I am once again asking for a healthy season from Brett Gabbert. He's piled up 7,893 yards at 8.3 per attempt with 59 touchdowns to 19 interceptions in 39 career games at Miami. The problem is those appearances have been scattered across five seasons due to injuries.

Put simply, that trend is decidedly not in his favor. Gabbert, nevertheless, has a favorable outlook behind a veteran offensive line and should be a very efficient passer. He just needs to stay on the field.