Where Memphis football landed in preseason coaches poll, ranking among Group of Five

The preseason US LBM Coaches Poll is out, and it doesn't feature Memphis football.

The Tigers, who were ranked No. 23 in the final coaches poll last season, were not one of the 25 ranked teams in the preseason edition released on Aug. 4. Memphis received 34 votes, which essentially slots the Tigers in at No. 34.

That put the Tigers as essentially the No. 2 ranked team in the Group of Five, behind Boise State (ranked No. 25). The Broncos finished last season ranked No. 9.

The five highest-ranked conference champions will earn spots in the College Football Playoff, meaning at least one team from the Group of Five will make it. Boise State claimed that spot last year.

Memphis' initial goal is to reach the American Conference title game for the first time since 2019. While Tulane was a popular pick to win the conference at media days last month, the Tigers received more votes in the poll than any other team. They were followed immediately by Army (33 votes) and Tulane (31 votes).

Arkansas — which will travel to face Memphis on Sept. 20 — received 14 votes, putting them at essentially a tie for 42nd. Navy was the only other American Conference team besides Memphis, Tulane and Army to receive votes and tied with Arkansas at 14.

Though Memphis is coming off back-to-back double digit win seasons, there's plenty of uncertainty heading into 2025. The Tigers lost four-year starting quarterback Seth Henigan and most of their starters on both sides of the ball. Coach Ryan Silverfield was busy in the transfer portal, with Nevada transfer Brendon Lewis expected to start at quarterback and Virginia Tech transfer linebacker Sam Brumfield among the players expected to contribute significantly on the other side of the ball.

Memphis kicks off its 2025 season at home against Chattanooga on Aug. 30.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.