Beat writer Frank Bonner II answers readers questions regarding the Memphis Tigers football program early in the 2025 offseason. 

Memphis athletic director Ed Scott said the new capacity for Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium will be 42,000-44,000 — not the 50,000 that was originally planned.

Memphis athletic director Ed Scott has been on the job for a tumultuous, wrenching but ultimately triumphant six months. In that time, Scott has seen enough to believe Memphis can be “a Top 25 athletic program in America.” Now he needs others to believe it, too.

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Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium will have reduced capacity, according to new plans

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The Tigers moved up one spot from the most recent Associated Press Top 25 poll. Tennessee and Ole Miss both finish in the top 11.

Memphis defensive analyst Joe Cauthen, a former defensive coordinator at multiple FBS programs, will be the Tigers’ new defensive line coach, a source told The Daily Memphian.

Anthony Landphere had everything lined up in preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft. Then, Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield gave him a call.

Memphis adds five to its M Club Hall of Fame class and will also honor five special awards winners at its Feb. 22 induction ceremony.

Grant Troutman threw for 2,079 yards and 25 touchdowns while rushing for 95 yards and four scores to lead Collierville to an 11-2 record this past season.

If all goes well, former Memphis Tigers defensive lineman Jaylon Allen and receiver Joe Scates will be back at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium playing in the United Football League. 

It’s the second straight year that a Memphis running back has won the all-star game award. 

William Whitlow Jr. announced that he’s staying with the Tigers after previously entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. 

Michigan transfer defensive back and former Germantown High standout Kody Jones has committed to Memphis, according to an Instagram post.

The Shrine Bowl is a prestigious postseason all-star game that allows players to showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts and front-office personnel.

Hey, Memphians. It’s time to resolve to have fun again in 2025. Go to a Tigers game. Go to a Grizzlies game. Get off your couch and do something.

Linebacker Chandler Martin could have finished his college career with another season at Memphis. He could have entered the NCAA transfer portal. Instead, Martin declared for the NFL Draft. His parents shed light on the decision.

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Simpson’s hiring comes after former deputy head coach and safeties coach Charles Clark left to be the defensive backs coach at Purdue.

Defensive lineman Taylor Burton is headed back to his hometown after spending two years at UT Martin.

After announcing plans to leave the Memphis Tigers football team, defensive lineman William Whitlow Jr. said on social media that he would always have love for the city.

ESPN college football expert Paul Finebaum answers The Daily Memphian’s questions as Tennessee’s and Memphis’ seasons end and the College Football Playoff continues.

Memphis linebacker Chandler Martin is forgoing his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL Draft, he announced Sunday on X. 

Memphis athletic director Ed Scott said he never imagined that on a work trip he’d lose his friend of 14 years. Tigers associate AD Marlon Dechausay suffered a heart attack while in Hawaii for the Maui Invitational. He died Dec. 4.

Memphis football writer Frank Bonner II, basketball writer Parth Upadhyaya and columnist John Martin discuss this year’s football season and the raised level of expectations for Memphis basketball as it prepares for its final two non-conference games. 

Clark, who was the longest-tenured assistant coach under Tigers head coach Ryan Silverfield, will also coach the defensive back for the Boilermakers. 

The Tigers were expected to land a quarterback out of the NCAA transfer portal with four-year starter Seth Henigan exhausting his eligibility.