2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 11-2, Win vs. West Virginia in Frisco Bowl (42-37)

Memphis had one of its best seasons in recent memory with 11 wins. It began with a 7-1 record with a loss to Navy sprinkled in. Memphis navigated a light schedule and was able to rack up wins, including an impressive victory over Tulane in the final game of the regular season.

OFFENSE: Tigers to Feature New Quarterback

Exit Seth Henigan. Enter Brendon Lewis.

After four years from Henigan, the Tigers will give the keys to dual-threat Lewis. At Nevada last season, Lewis showed an ability to use his legs to make plays. He has just 28 career touchdowns as he enters his sixth year but brings a new dynamic to Memphis.

The backfield will be a work-in-progress, along with the receivers as well. Both Mario Anderson and Brandon Thomas are gone, which means Sutton Smith will step into an extended role after returning from injury.

on the outside, Brady Kluse is the only returner. Louisville transfer Jadon Thompson and Purdue’s CJ Smith will become major weapons on the attack.

Memphis will have to create that explosive offense that led to double-digit wins last season. Chris Adams will retake his spot at left tackle while 340-pound Malachi Ireland will solidify the inside.

DEFENSE: Portal-Heavy Unit Preparing for 2025

It is the era of the transfer portal and Memphis will take full advantage.

Let’s start in-house. The secondary will be made up of some carryovers, such as Cortland Marsh and Cameron Miller. It will be interesting to see where they fit in after not playing much last season.

As for the corners, Omarion Cooper comes over from Florida State while Myles Pollard is a Michigan transfer.

The star of the defense might be William Whitlow. He has been productive during his three-year career and could take it to the next level. Rayyan Buell from Colorado and Incarnate Word transfer Chase Carter will be asked to step into roles on the outside right away.

The linebackers are also all transfers. There will be close to double-digit starters out of the transfer portal defensively. At linebacker, it includes Drue Watts of Nevada and Everett Roussaw Jr. from UAB.

2025 MEMPHIS FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: vs. Chattanooga
• Saturday, Sept. 6: at Georgia State
• Saturday, Sept. 13: at Troy
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. Arkansas
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at FAU
• Saturday, Oct. 4: vs. Tulsa
• Saturday, Oct. 18: at UAB
• Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. South Florida
• Friday, Oct. 31: at Rice
• Friday, Nov. 7: vs. Tulane
• Saturday, Nov. 15: at East Carolina
• Thursday, Nov. 27: vs. Navy