Can Charles Huff Replicate His Marshall Success at Memphis in 2025

Huff’s Proven Formula

Charles Huff has turned around programs before, most notably at Marshall where he posted 32 wins in four seasons and captured a Sun Belt title. His track record includes taking a 1‑11 Southern Miss squad to a bowl game with a 7‑6 mark. Now Memphis has handed Huff his third head‑coaching job in just three years, hoping the same blueprint will work again. The Tigers have not posted a losing season since 2013, giving Huff a winning culture to build upon.

New Expectations in Memphis

When Ryan Silverfield left for Arkansas, Memphis turned to Huff without a grace period, expecting immediate progress after an 8‑5 finish last year. The coaching staff is fresh, but continuity exists through 12 key players transferred from Southern Miss. Almost the entire roster is composed of newcomers, yet the program’s recent success gives Huff a solid foundation to lean on. The question is whether a mostly Sun Belt‑sourced squad can thrive in the American Conference.

Key Players And Transfer Influx

Memphis will lean heavily on transfer talent, most notably 12 starters who followed Huff from Southern Miss. The quarterback competition pits sophomore Air Noland against junior Marcus Stokes, both dual‑threat options. Running back Dallan Hayden brings over 500 yards of experience from Colorado, while the receiving corps adds Tychaun Chapman (18‑yard average) and Terrell Timmons as deep threats. Defensive line improvements come from edge rushers J’Mond Tapp and Jabari Ishmael, and interior tackle Eric Thomas. Safety Ian Foster leads a group that also features Ahmere Foster, Zach Ruffin and Dylan King.

Offensive Outlook

Kevin Decker takes over as offensive coordinator after a productive stint at Old Dominion, emphasizing a balanced attack that leans on the run. Quarterbacks will be asked to carry the ball, but the backfield also includes Jaylin Carter, a Southern Miss transfer with catching ability. Hunter Tipton provides reliable receiving out of the tight end spot, having posted 39 catches for 411 yards last season. The offensive line is new, but depth appears solid, and the focus on high‑percentage passes and aggressive run plays could produce early momentum.

Key stats from last year show Memphis outscored opponents 107‑35 in the fourth quarter and won seven of seven games when they ran for three or more touchdowns. Opponents committed 15 fumbles, losing six, while Memphis had nine fumbles and lost two. Passing yards were nearly even, with Memphis putting up 2,643 yards versus 2,632 for opponents. Those numbers suggest a team that thrives on late‑game execution and ground assault.

Defensive Challenges

Lance Guidry returns as defensive coordinator after a successful stint with LSU’s defense under Huff at Marshall. The new unit loses experienced linebackers such as Sam Brumfield and three other top defenders, creating a talent gap. Cornerback play is decent, led by Anthony Richard Jr., but safety depth is deeper with Ian Foster’s interception returns. Edge rushers J’Mond Tapp and Jabari Ishmael should create pressure, yet the lack of returning starters means the defense must gel quickly. The linebacking corps, now anchored by Mike Montgomery, will need to fill the void left by departed playmakers.

Season Outlook

A look at the key schedule shows road trips to UNLV and Boise State could cost a win early, while three conference road games at Tulane, USF and Navy will test depth. The biggest game sits at Tulane on October 16; a loss there would leave little margin for error in November. Memphis’s previous success was built on strong second‑half play, allowing only 72 points in that span last year. If the defense can replicate that aggressive turnover style—Southern Miss forced three or more steals in seven games—confidence will grow.

Transfer Portal Roundup

• Head Coach: Charles Huff (first year at Memphis; overall 39‑25 record)

• Best Case / Worst Case: Win the American championship / Struggling to reach bowl eligibility

• Key Player: Air Noland (QB, Soph.) or Marcus Stokes (QB, Jr.)

• Biggest Question: Can Huff keep the winning culture alive with roughly 22 new starters arriving via the portal?

Critical Stats To Watch

• 4th Quarter Scoring: Memphis 107, Opponents 35

• Fumbles: Opponents 15 (lost 6), Memphis 9 (lost 2)

• Passing Yards: Memphis 2,643, Opponents 2,632

Who Must Shine

Air Noland must settle into the lineup early, showcasing poise and playmaking ability that aligns with the fast‑tempo offense. He can become a star if he learns the system quickly, especially with a roster full of new faces. Alternatively, Marcus Stokes offers a seasoned dual‑threat option who can keep defenses guessing. Both quarterbacks will need to lead a team that relies heavily on transfer integration, so composure will be vital.

Top Transfer Signings

• Ian Foster, Safety (Southern Miss) – 48 tackles and five tackles for loss at Marshall, then 72 stops and two pick‑sixes last year.

• Eric Thomas, Defensive Tackle (Syracuse) – 6‑5, 360‑pound interior presence.

• Carde Smith, Offensive Tackle (Colorado) – adds depth to a revamped line.

Biggest Loss

Sutton Smith, Running Back (Arkansas) – departed after leading the rushing attack with 669 yards, seven touchdowns and 20 receptions. His toughness and 6.6‑yard average per carry will be missed.

CFN Prediction

Memphis fields a well‑balanced roster from top to bottom, and despite the massive influx of newcomers, depth appears surprisingly strong. The coaching staff’s pedigree and the transfer class suggest a capable rebuilding run. However, early road tests and a congested conference schedule could limit a perfect outcome. Projected final: 8‑4. The team’s ability to stay healthy, gel defensively, and execute the ground game will determine whether Huff can rewrite Memphis’s recent history and replicate his Marshall triumph on a new stage.

Related: American Conference Football Win Totals 2026: Spring Predictions for Every Team