Season Opener at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
On September 5, the Memphis Tigers will welcome Arkansas State to the newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, marking the program’s first home contest since the $226.5 million facility opened its gates.
Coach Charles Huff, who took the helm this offseason, has built early momentum after a 27‑21 victory over UNLV in Week 0, a game in which his defensive line forced six sacks on Rebels quarterback Jackson Arnold, with J'Mond Tapp, Elijah Kinsler and Taylor Burton playing key roles.
Quarterback Marcus Stokes, who earned the starting role over South Carolina transfer Air Noland, opened his Memphis career with 223 yards and two touchdowns, while the backfield featured rookie Jaylin Carter’s 97 yards and a touchdown, alongside Manny Covey’s 46 yards; Huff noted the running game was ‘average as grits’ due to a lack of patience.
Arkansas State arrives with a revamped quarterback corps, as former starter Jaylen Raynor transferred to Iowa State, leaving Ethan Crawford, Trey Owens, Drew Dickey and Jeremy St‑Hilaire to vie for the snap, while safety AG McGhee and receiver Chauncy Cobb return as pivotal playmakers under coach Butch Jones, who has guided the Red Wolves to three straight bowl games and a 7‑6 record in 2025.
Analysts expect a tight contest, projecting a 31‑24 win for Memphis that would give the Tigers a 2‑0 start before a marquee showdown at Boise State.