Memphis Tigers Poised for Strong Season Under New Leadership
Despite coaching changes, Memphis football is exceeding expectations and emerging as a strong contender.
Memphis and Tulane entered the 2026 college football season with similar trajectories, both having new head coaches who previously led Southern Miss. However, the Memphis Tigers, under new head coach Charles Huff, are defying tempered expectations and establishing themselves as a formidable force in the Group of 6.
Memphis currently stands at 5-1, with their sole loss occurring on the road against Boise State. The team boasts one of the nation's most effective offenses, leading the country in yards per pass attempt at 11.3, while also ranking seventh in yards per rush at 5.6. The Tigers' commitment to the run game is evident, as they have run the ball on 62.72 percent of their snaps, the 11th-highest mark nationally.
This offensive prowess has been a significant factor in their success. Quarterback Marcus Stokes has performed exceptionally well since transferring from West Florida, bolstered by a potent rushing attack.
Conversely, Tulane faces significant defensive challenges, particularly against the run. The Green Wave's defense ranks 112th nationally in yards allowed per rushing attempt. This weakness is a considerable concern heading into their matchup against Memphis, which features one of the most effective ground games in the country.
Memphis is set to face Tulane as 6.5-point favorites on Friday night in New Orleans. The Tigers' strong offensive statistics and Tulane's defensive struggles suggest a favorable outlook for Memphis in this conference matchup.