Memphis is heading to American Conference media days without a quarterback in tow, and that decision says plenty about where the Tigers’ most important battle stands right now.
The program announced July 15 that offensive lineman Maarten Woudsma and linebacker Mike Montgomery will represent Memphis at the event, which runs July 23 and 24 in St. Petersburg, Florida. Both are transfers and both are expected to play major roles this season.
That leaves the quarterbacks at home, where the real competition is still unfolding between West Florida transfer Marcus Stokes and South Carolina transfer Air Noland. Coach Charles Huff is almost certain to face a steady stream of questions about that race, but sending either quarterback to media days would have given away too much about how things are leaning. Memphis took a similar route last year, when it brought Brendon Lewis to media days during a quarterback battle and he later won the job.
Woudsma arrives from Old Dominion and has been a steady presence at guard for the Monarchs over multiple seasons. He also came to Memphis with offensive coordinator Kevin Decker, and he has been viewed as a likely starter throughout the offseason.
Montgomery’s path is just as notable. He was a key part of Southern Miss’ defense in 2025 and followed Huff to Memphis. He looks like a lock to start for the Tigers in 2026 and projects as one of the team’s most important defenders.
Even with those two established pieces set to speak for the program, Memphis still has a lot to sort out before the season gets going. The transfer portal brought in talent, but there are few proven returners, and the depth chart at receiver and running back remains one of the main preseason storylines.
The Tigers will move straight from media days into preseason practice the following week. Their season opens in college football’s Week Zero, when they face UNLV in Las Vegas on Aug. 29.