The Memphis Tigers are heading into the 2025 season with one of the most dramatic defensive overhauls in recent program history. The unit starts from scratch after losing nearly every starter from the 2024 opener. But while the names and faces may differ, the Tigers aren’t exactly short on talent—or expectation.
At the center of it all stands William Whitlow Jr., the lone returning starter from last year’s season opener. The defensive end briefly entered the transfer portal following the 2024 campaign, triggering fanbase concerns. And that concern was warranted. Whitlow drew immediate interest from several Power 4 programs, including Penn State, Auburn, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. The level of attention he received made one thing abundantly clear: Memphis had a star worth fighting for.
Ultimately, Whitlow opted to stay put, returning to the Bluff City with a point to prove. His return isn’t just a major win for the coaching staff—it could be the glue that holds this reassembled defense together. The Tigers’ defense yielded mixed results in the first year under the direction of defensive coordinator Jordon Hankins. During the earlier portion of the season, the unit struggled mightily against high-powered offenses such as Navy and UTSA. However, there were performances where the defense was stout, including the road victory over Florida State.
Whitlow’s Emerging Leadership
While his raw stats from 2024—24 tackles and 4 sacks—may not leap off the page, Whitlow’s impact went well beyond the box score. His versatility, football IQ, and presence in the locker room made him a trusted voice among teammates. Heading into 2025, Whitlow will be counted on as the unquestioned leader of a unit that features over a dozen new contributors via the transfer portal.
“Memphis has pushed me to a whole new limit,” Whitlow said. “I feel like it’s hard to get comfortable here, because they’re always going to bring in people that are going to push you to better yourself. Then you’ve got the coaches behind you that’s going to push you.”
His return also ensures continuity for a defense that will otherwise be learning on the fly. As the only veteran with first-hand experience in coordinator Jordon Hankins’ system, Whitlow will play a critical role in aligning the unit pre-snap, making adjustments on the field, and serving as a player-coach of sorts for younger and incoming players.
Pena’s Departure, Portal Dependence
Memphis’ plans for the front seven took a hit when AJ Pena, a promising edge rusher who transferred in from Rhode Island, reentered the portal and ultimately returned to his former program. The 2024 All-CAA selection was expected to be a foundational pass-rusher in Hankins’s aggressive scheme. His departure leaves a noticeable void on the edge.
To compensate, Memphis has doubled down on incoming talent. The Tigers added multiple defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs from the portal, hoping the blend of veteran experience and untapped upside can coalesce quickly.
Defensive Additions to Watch
Among the new faces expected to make an impact:
- Pooda Walker – A disruptive force during his time at Kennesaw State, who will be counted on to create interior pressure.
- Omarion Cooper- An athletic, rangy cover corner who could step into a CB1 role immediately.
- Drue Watts – A high-motor tackler with sideline-to-sideline range, brought in to potentially become the anchor of a linebacker group that lost key contributors in Chandler Martin, Matt Hudson, and Elijah Herring.
While individual stars have yet to fully emerge, the goal for Memphis isn’t just about replacing talent; it’s about building a cohesive, fast, and opportunistic defense. That starts with leadership, communication, and accountability.
Why It All Matters
If Memphis wants to finally punch its ticket to the AAC Championship Game, defense must take a step forward in 2025. The offense, even without Seth Henigan, appears to be in capable hands. But too often in recent seasons, late-season defensive lapses have derailed promising campaigns—see the shootout loss to Navy in 2024 as the most glaring example.
The Tigers don’t need a top-10 defense to win the American. But they do need a unit capable of getting off the field on third downs, limiting explosive plays, and playing with attitude in big moments.
That’s where players like William Whitlow Jr. become invaluable—not just for what they do, but for how they lead others to do it too.
As Memphis prepares for a season full of expectations and high-stakes matchups, the defense will go as far as its new core—and its returning leader—can take it.
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