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Proud to be in the American: Charlotte joins tougher football conference

The 49ers will step up in weight class this season, joining the AAC.

Published

March 26, 2023

Charlotte's only expected to win a handful of games this season. Football prognosticator Phil Steele likes the "Over" on that bet.

The second decade of Charlotte 49ers football will begin with a new coach in charge and a new field of conference opponents.

Francis “Biff” Poggi, a former Michigan associate head coach, took over the 49ers program in November, replacing Will Healy. Poggi will oversee Charlotte’s transition into the more competitive American Athletic Conference. Charlotte had been part of Conference USA from 2015-22.

A challenging schedule – both in conference and out – awaits Poggi’s first team in the Queen City. Six opponents played in bowl games a year ago.

Charlotte will travel to Maryland and Florida in non-league games in September before facing an eight-game AAC gauntlet. This will be the second year in a row the Niners have played Maryland (losing 56-21 at home last year). Charlotte is 0-3 against SEC teams, falling to South Carolina, Kentucky and Tennessee in past seasons.

The conference move brings Charlotte into a league with in-state foe East Carolina. The two teams will face off in Greenville on Oct. 21, the first-ever meeting between the schools in football. Other American Athletic Conference foes this season will include Navy, Florida Atlantic, Memphis and Rice at home, and SMU, Tulsa and USF on the road.

The FAU game will be on a Friday night and give the Niners’ extra TV exposure.

The season begins Saturday, Sept. 2 at home against South Carolina State. Traditionally, Charlotte has been tough in early season contests at Jerry Richardson Stadium, going 8-2 in home openers (4-0 when that game is also the season opener).

Charlotte’s spring game will be Saturday, April 22. Season ticket pricing starts at $100 and renewals are still being accepted online or by calling the 49ers Ticket Office at 704-687-4949.