The University of Memphis announced that its football program will begin a home‑and‑home series with Toledo in 2027, hosting the Rockets before making the trip to Ohio the following year. This will be the first meeting between the two schools on the gridiron, adding a new chapter to each program’s schedule.
Toledo’s recent form and coaching transition
The Rockets finished the 2025 season with an 8‑5 record, extending a streak of five consecutive bowl appearances. After eight years at the helm, Jason Candle departed for UConn, and former Mercer head coach Mike Jacobs was hired to take over the program. Jacobs will open his tenure with a high‑profile matchup against Michigan State on September 4.
The Toledo‑Memphis arrangement completes Memphis’ 2027 non‑conference slate, which also includes Southern Miss, Arkansas State and Middle Tennessee State. Notably, the Tigers will not face a power‑conference opponent for the second straight year, underscoring a deliberate scheduling strategy that emphasizes regional rivalries and manageable travel.
Looking ahead to the next five seasons
Beyond the Toledo series, Memphis’ non‑conference calendar stretches through 2031, featuring road games at UNLV to start the 2026 season, followed by contests against Arkansas State, Boise State, Southern Miss and others. In 2028 the Tigers will host Mississippi State and Arkansas State while traveling to Arkansas and Toledo, and the pattern continues with additional matchups scheduled through 2031.
The full slate reflects a carefully balanced approach: early‑season road trips, strategic home games against familiar foes, and a mix of Group of Five and independent opponents. As the program moves forward under new leadership, the schedule provides a clear roadmap for building momentum and testing depth against a variety of competition levels.