Expectations were high for the 2024 Memphis Tigers, with dreams of a more achievable playoff spot than ever. The 11-2 record was the fourth-best single-season record in the program’s history, but it still wasn’t enough, finishing 25th in the final rankings, missing out on the playoffs. Despite an offseason full of roster reconstruction, sentiment has remained as high as ever. Hopes of running the table and securing that coveted playoff berth stand strong. In this article, we will break down one of the toughest and most important clashes of the 2025 schedule: a visit from the SEC’s Arkansas Razorbacks on Saturday, September 20.
The Memphis Tigers lost just twice in 2024. A trip to the Navy ended 56-44 in the host’s favor in September before UTSA welcomed Memphis into the Alamodome and sent them home with an L and no hopes of playoff action. Seth Henigan was as consistent and quality as usual in 2024, completing 64.8% of his passes for 3,502 yards, 25 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. Mario Anderson was a beast at running back with 1,362 yards and 18 touchdowns, and Roc Taylor collected 950 yards through the air, but it was all in vain.
For fans, it was the most disappointing 11-2 season. The early loss to the Navy meant things would always be tricky, but the failure to beat UTSA was unforgivable, with the Roadrunners ending up seventh in the AAC with a 7-6 overall record.
Ryan Silverfield has seen steady improvement every year he has been in charge, but he will be desperate to get across the line this time, even with his completely overhauled roster. With some handy NIL cash to spend, the Tigers have been able to recruit very well over the last couple of years, and fans will be hoping they can hit the ground running, primed and ready to achieve what they could not last year.
An Early Test: The Arkansas Razorbacks
The first major test for Memphis comes in the form of an out-of-conference clash with the Arkansas Razorbacks. Competing in an incredibly tough SEC, the Razorbacks battled to a 7-6 overall record in 2024. They have been a solid team under Sam Pittman, topping out with a 9-4 record and a high ranking of eight in his second season with the team in 2021.
However, Pittman has failed to properly kick on from that strong effort, scraping above .500 in 2022 and 2024 but faltering to 4-8, including 1-7 in the SEC, in 2023. That 1-7 in SEC play in 2023 is the crux of the problem for Pittman, who has gone 14-28 in his time in in-conference games. Another underwhelming season in 2025 could spell disaster for his time as head coach.
That said, Arkansas did rank 14th in the nation with 440.6 yards per game in 2024, up from their 321.7 yards per game in 2023, which ranked 101st. So, there are things to build off, with personnel changes pushing this further.
Arkansas Razorbacks 2025 Depth Chart and Roster Moves
Quarterback Taylen Green is back to lead the team again after completing 60% of his passes for 3,154 yards, 15 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 2024. The 6-foot-6, dual-threat quarterback also collected 602 yards and eight touchdowns as a rusher, meaning he will demand all of the Tigers’ attention when they visit.
Memphis will also have to slow down what is a new-look running back stable in Arkansas, with the Hogs bringing in power back Mike Washington Junior, who had 725 yards and a team-leading eight rushing touchdowns for New Mexico State in 2024. Washington is a talented all-around back and has already impressed his new teammates in the Spring. He will likely be splitting carries primarily with Braylen Russell. Russell, now heading into his sophomore season, was efficient with his opportunities last year, collecting 354 yards and three touchdowns at 5.3 yards per carry.
There have been tons of changes in the wide receiver room as well for Arkansas. Andrew Armstrong and Isaac Teslaa have left some pretty big shoes to fill, with Monte Harrison being the only notable name to carry over from 2024. He posted just two catches for 29 yards as a freshman, so Sam Pittman and company have brought in O’Mega Blake, Raylen Sharpe, Kamren Shanks, and Ismael Cisse to help out Taylen Green a bit more.
Sharpe is a speedy slot receiver who played under OC Bobby Petrino at Missouri State before tallying 523 yards and three touchdowns on 51 catches at Fresno State in 2024.
Shanks looks likely to contribute as a returner, having logged two punt return touchdowns in 2024. He also adds much value as a receiver, collecting 656 yards and six touchdowns for the UAB Blazers. Both Sharpe and Shanks should be very handy slot weapons for Taylen Green.
In the wide receiver room, O’Mega Blake arrives from the Charlotte Hornets, where he was on a consistent upward trajectory, culminating in a career-high 795 yards and nine touchdowns in 2024, his junior season. Standing at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, and averaging 24.8 yards per reception, this guy is a big-play threat.
Defensively, the Razorbacks have lost several key players, most notably edge defender Landon Jackson. Nevertheless, they have brought in five new defensive linemen and six defensive backs to help bolster the ranks. Arkansas ranked 73rd in the nation, allowing 27.1 points per game in 2024, so they hope these new additions can toughen them up.
What Is Riding on This Game?
This is a tricky and crucial early-season clash for both teams. Memphis will be desperate to avoid an early loss to bolster their playoff hopes, and the Hogs will be wary that a loss here could be a sign of worrying things to come, especially as they have one of the toughest schedules in the nation.
The SEC squad should enter the game as favorites, but this will be their second consecutive road clash after facing Ole Miss the week before, so it will be far from easy. The potential for this to be a trap game is high, and you know that Memphis will be well up for the fight!
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