The preseason US LBM Coaches Poll has delivered a modest surprise for the Memphis Tigers, who collected nine voting points and sit essentially at No. 43 despite not being officially ranked.
Preseason Buzz for the Tigers
What makes the nine points noteworthy is the broader context of the poll, where no team from the Group of Six cracked the initial Top 25, leaving Memphis as the highest‑voted American Conference side.
The Tigers will soon test that optimism on the road, opening the 2026 season against UNLV on August 29 before traveling to face Boise State later in the year.
Adding a layer of intrigue, head coach Charles Huff is among the voters who will shape the 2026 edition of the poll, giving the program a voice in the national conversation.
The early schedule also pits Memphis against traditional powerhouses such as Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Texas and Notre Dame, who occupy the top spots in the current rankings, underscoring the challenge that lies ahead.