Memphis will take center stage at the American Conference Media Days scheduled for July 23 and 24 in St. Petersburg, Florida, where the Tigers will introduce two high‑profile transfers who are expected to anchor the offensive line and defense for the 2026 campaign.
Offensive lineman Maarten Woudsma arrives from Old Dominion, where he started multiple seasons at guard, while linebacker Mike Montgomery comes over from Southern Miss, a key contributor to the 2025 defense. Both players are slated to compete for starting positions as the Tigers aim to rebuild a unit that lost several veterans.
Quarterback battle looms
Coach Charles Huff is expected to field inquiries about the competition between West Florida transfer Marcus Stokes and South Carolina transfer Air Noland, a duel that could shape the team’s offensive identity heading into the new season.
The preseason training period will begin the week after media days, giving the new starters a chance to gel before the Tigers open the 2026 schedule on August 29 in Las Vegas against UNLV, a matchup that will test the early chemistry of the revamped roster.
With limited returning contributors, position battles at receiver and running back will also dominate preseason storylines, but the additions of Woudsma and Montgomery provide a tangible boost to the team’s depth and experience.