The Memphis Tigers are once again poised to contend for an American Athletic Conference championship, but their path won’t be easy, especially when you look at the quarterbacks they’ll have to stop along the way. From proven dual-threat weapons like Navy’s Blake Horvath to high-ceiling Power 4 transfers like Arkansas’ Taylen Green, Memphis’ 2025 schedule is stacked with signal-callers capable of taking over a game. In this story, we rank the six most dangerous quarterbacks Memphis will face this season and break down what makes each a threat, and why slowing them down will be key to the Tigers’ championship hopes.
- Blake Horvath, Navy
Blake Horvath authored one of the most remarkable campaigns in Navy football history in 2024, and his dual-threat talent remains one of the most unique challenges for any defense in 2025. He tallied 2,599 total yards (1,353 passing, 1,246 rushing), including 13 passing touchdowns that tied a school record.
When the Midshipmen hosted the Tigers last season, Horvath turned Navy-Marine Corps Stadium into his personal highlight reel. He rushed for 211 yards and four touchdowns on just 12 carries and threw for 192 yards and another two scores, accounting for 403 total yards in Navy’s shocking 56-44 upset win. No opposing QB had a more dominant outing against the Tigers in 2024.
Horvath returns with offensive coordinator Drew Cronic for a second year in a scheme designed to maximize his abilities. His combination of option-read speed, pocket poise, and efficient downfield accuracy gives Memphis plenty of reasons to mark the rematch on their calendar. Slowing down Horvath will be a major point of emphasis for a rebuilt Tigers defense.
- Byrum Brown, South Florida
Even coming off a leg injury that shortened his 2024 season, Byrum Brown remains one of the AAC’s premier quarterbacks. In 2023, he became the only QB in USF history to throw for over 3,000 yards in a season, also rushing for 800+ and accounting for 26 touchdown passes.
The last time Brown faced Memphis, he was electric. In a 2023 shootout at the Liberty Bowl, he completed 31-of-39 passes for 357 yards, five touchdowns, and added another 100 yards on the ground. The Tigers edged out the win, but Brown’s individual performance left a lasting impression.
Brown has a polished pocket presence, strong decision-making, and breakaway speed in the open field. Assuming he’s fully healthy in 2025, Memphis will have its hands full trying to contain his dynamic skill set when the two sides meet again.
- Taylen Green, Arkansas
This will be the second time Memphis squares off against Taylen Green, but he arrives with a new uniform and a more advanced skill set. In 2023, Green quarterbacked Boise State in a narrow 35-32 loss to Memphis, throwing for 200 yards and rushing for another 51.
Now the starting quarterback at Arkansas, Green compiled 3,154 passing yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2024 while adding over 600 yards on the ground. At 6-foot-6, he’s a true dual-threat weapon who can exploit defenses with his arm and legs.
Memphis gets Arkansas at home in Week 4, and Green’s growth under offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino could make him even more dangerous this time around. The Tigers’ ability to generate pressure and contain the edge will be key against the SEC signal caller.
- Caden Veltkamp, Florida Atlantic
Memphis hasn’t faced Caden Veltkamp before, but he could become one of the AAC’s breakout stars in 2025. After lighting up the 2023 Famous Toastery Bowl with 383 yards and five touchdowns, he followed it up in 2024 with 3,108 passing yards, 25 TDs, and Conference USA Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Veltkamp transferred to FAU ahead of the 2025 season and brings a strong arm, pocket awareness, and underrated mobility. His ability to deliver throws to all parts of the field with velocity makes him a tough cover for any secondary.
Memphis’ back end, which has undergone a significant overhaul this offseason, will need to gel quickly to handle a QB with Veltkamp’s blend of size, experience, and vertical passing chops.
- Katin Houser, East Carolina
Houser took over the starting job midway through the 2024 season and sparked ECU to a 5-1 finish, including a bowl win over NC State. The Michigan State transfer totaled 2,006 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions in just half a season.
His deep-ball precision stands out on tape, and he showed the poise to stretch defenses with layered throws. ECU’s offense has been trending upward under Houser’s command, and Memphis will face him late in the year when he’ll have even more chemistry with his weapons.
For a Memphis defense that will rely heavily on transfers and new leaders, containing Houser’s downfield attack will require discipline, communication, and well-timed pressure.
- Tulane’s Projected Starting QB — TBD (Kadin Semonza, Brendan Sullivan, or Donovan Leary)
The only thing more uncertain than Tulane’s quarterback situation heading into 2025 is how dangerous their chosen signal-caller could ultimately be. With former AAC Offensive Player of the Year Darian Mensah transferring to Duke, the Green Wave enters the new season with a wide-open battle between Ball State transfer Kadin Semonza, Iowa’s Brendan Sullivan, and Illinois’ Donovan Leary. But don’t let the lack of a definitive starter fool you—Tulane is still loaded and projected by Athlon Sports as the preseason favorite to win the AAC.
Memphis will face Tulane late in the year, on November 7th at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium—a date that may prove critical in determining who heads to the conference title game. Regardless of which quarterback wins the job, each brings something different that Memphis must be ready to counter.
- Semonza has the most starting experience, having thrown for 2,904 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions during his freshman season at Ball State. He’s an efficient passer who could thrive in a clean system with good protection.
- Sullivan, the Iowa transfer, offers the most upside as a dual-threat. He showed flashes in Big Ten play and fits the modern spread concepts that could frustrate an aggressive defense.
- Leary, though less proven, has the size and arm strength to stretch the field—something Tulane may lean on if they plan to get vertical more often in 2025.
This matchup has extra emotion tied to it. Memphis ended a two-game losing streak to the Green Wave in the 2024 regular-season finale, spoiling Tulane’s Senior Night and their college football playoff hopes. Tulane hasn’t forgotten. Expect a highly motivated team with a lot to prove, especially whoever lines up under center.
For a Memphis defense that’s largely rebuilt, with William Whitlow Jr. as the only returning Week 1 starter from 2024, this will be one of the biggest late-season tests. Whether it’s Semonza, Sullivan, or Leary, Tulane’s quarterback will have the keys to an offense that still expects to dominate the AAC.
Each of these quarterbacks brings a unique challenge to the table for Memphis in 2025. Horvath and Brown have torched the Tigers before. Green is a familiar face with SEC polish. Veltkamp and Houser are high-upside newcomers to the conference. For Memphis to take the next step and reach the AAC title game, containing these elite passers will be essential.
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