University of Memphis Athletics
American Conference Kickoff Attendees Announced
Jul 14, 2026 | Football
IRVING, Texas – University of Memphis football head coach Charles Huff will be joined by offensive lineman Maarten Woudsma and linebacker Mike Montgomery at the 2026 American Conference Kickoff event, set for Thursday and Friday, July 23-24 in St. Petersburg, Florida at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront.
28 student-athletes from the American's football member institutions will attend the event, along with all 14 head coaches. Media availabilities will begin Thursday afternoon and continue into Friday. Friday's schedule will feature opening remarks from Commissioner Tim Pernetti, followed by press conferences with each of the 14 head coaches, with all of Friday having live coverage through ESPN+.
The American will open doors to fans for an enhanced Kickoff experience, featuring unprecedented access to their favorite teams through press conferences, photo opportunities and meet-and-greets with student-athletes and head coaches. Fans wishing to attend the event at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront can register at THIS LINK.
Woudsma, a native of Amersfoort, Netherlands, enters his first season with the Tigers after spending four years at Old Dominion, where he featured in 42 games, helping the Monarchs finish in the top 10 and top 20 in the FBS in rushing offense and total offense, respectively. Going into the season, Woudsma was placed on the Athlon Sports Preseason American Conference Second Team and the Phil Steele Preseason American Conference Fourth Team.
Montgomery, who played under head coach Charles Huff last season at Southern Miss, has already received multiple accolades in being named to the Preseason American Conference First Team by both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. In 2025, Montgomery was a third-team All-Sun Belt selection after logging 106 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. His 8.8 tackles per game last season were good for 26th in the nation.
Live coverage of the American Kickoff will air Friday, July 24 at 6:50 a.m. CT on ESPN+, with opening remarks from Commissioner Tim Pernetti at 7:05 a.m. CT.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
28 student-athletes from the American's football member institutions will attend the event, along with all 14 head coaches. Media availabilities will begin Thursday afternoon and continue into Friday. Friday's schedule will feature opening remarks from Commissioner Tim Pernetti, followed by press conferences with each of the 14 head coaches, with all of Friday having live coverage through ESPN+.
The American will open doors to fans for an enhanced Kickoff experience, featuring unprecedented access to their favorite teams through press conferences, photo opportunities and meet-and-greets with student-athletes and head coaches. Fans wishing to attend the event at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront can register at THIS LINK.
Woudsma, a native of Amersfoort, Netherlands, enters his first season with the Tigers after spending four years at Old Dominion, where he featured in 42 games, helping the Monarchs finish in the top 10 and top 20 in the FBS in rushing offense and total offense, respectively. Going into the season, Woudsma was placed on the Athlon Sports Preseason American Conference Second Team and the Phil Steele Preseason American Conference Fourth Team.
Montgomery, who played under head coach Charles Huff last season at Southern Miss, has already received multiple accolades in being named to the Preseason American Conference First Team by both Athlon Sports and Phil Steele. In 2025, Montgomery was a third-team All-Sun Belt selection after logging 106 tackles, three sacks and two interceptions. His 8.8 tackles per game last season were good for 26th in the nation.
Live coverage of the American Kickoff will air Friday, July 24 at 6:50 a.m. CT on ESPN+, with opening remarks from Commissioner Tim Pernetti at 7:05 a.m. CT.
How to follow the Tigers: For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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