College football is back in Memphis.
Well, in a way. The Tigers will host their spring game Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and will conclude spring practice with a scrimmage in front of fans. It will be fans' first chance to get a glimpse of a Memphis team that enters the 2024 season with College Football Playoff hopes on its back.
“I think people are hungry for football and the opportunity to get out there and watch the Tigers,” coach Ryan Silverfield said.
Here's what you need to know about Memphis football's spring game.
Memphis football spring game times and ticket information
Instead of the usual Friday Night Stripes game, the Tigers will play on Saturday afternoon.
Parking lot opens at 11am, gates open at 2pm, kick-off at 3pm.
Admission is free. Seating will be on the west side of the stadium.
Learn more about the game here.
Memphis football spring game format
The Tigers will be split into two evenly matched teams at the scrimmage. However, Silverfield said Tuesday that a complete handbook is not available.
“We're going to be pretty mediocre like most teams in the spring,” he said.
The game, which comes more than four months before Memphis opens the 2024 season on Aug. 31 against North Alabama, likely won't decide the position battle or the long-term storyline. But for coaches, it will be an opportunity to see how players perform in different roles and in a semi-competitive atmosphere.
There will also be interviews during the game and a chance for fans to meet the players on the field after the game.
Several players will be absent due to injury. Offensive players Jalen Nichols and Trent Holler are considered starters, but will be sidelined due to injuries sustained last season.
Linebacker Chandler Martin, who underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason, also could be sidelined or limited. Linebacker Javante McKee, who transferred to Arkansas State, will also be sidelined after suffering an injury during spring practice.
Who to pay attention to
Saturday won't be a fully competitive game, but it will be Tigers fans' first chance to see a rookie player who could have a big impact in 2024.
Running back Mario Anderson (No. 2) is Memphis' hottest transfer. He comes to the Bluff City after spending last season as South Carolina's leading rusher and is expected to be the Tigers' top running man in 2024. Jaire Shorter (No. 4), a transfer from Auburn receiver, could also be a player to watch.
Memphis' starting QB is Seth Hennigan, but there is a three-way battle for a backup spot. Arrington Mayden (7th), Harris Boyd (14th) and Cade Cunningham (16th) are competing for that spot, and all three will get plenty of reps Saturday.
New kicker Kaden Costa (number 43) and new punter Josh Sloan (number 13) will also be in attendance.
Contact sportswriter Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on Twitter @thejonahdylan.
