ARLINGTON, Texas — Memphis Tigers quarterback Seth Henigan doesn’t have to go far to be reminded of his goals for the upcoming season. 

Winning the American Athletic Conference championship, passing for 4,000 yards, recording 40 touchdowns and reaching 1,000 career rushing yards — all those aspirations are written on his bathroom mirror.

“I see it every single day,” Henigan said.

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Memphis’ career passing leader has never been one to jot down his goals. He’s read about the benefits in books, but never took the time to do it.

As he enters the final year of his college career, however, Henigan decided to give it a shot.

“That’s something that people talk about, is goal setting and things like that,” Henigan said. “I figured, ‘Why not? Why not just do it?’ Those are the things that I feel like if I hit those accomplishments, then everything else that I want will come with those things.”

Henigan threw for 3,883 yards and 32 touchdowns last season. He rushed for 274 yards last year and 284 in 2022. He’ll need 295 rushing yards this season to reach his 1,000-yard career rushing goal.

“Just trying to increase every single year, because even thus far in my career I’ve had pretty good statistics. Especially coming in as a true freshman,” Henigan said. “If I can just continue building, I feel like that just sets up my resume even better when potential scouts come after me.

“And with those stats, I feel like that puts us in a race to win a conference championship. That’s obviously the goal.”

Most voters in the AAC preseason media poll believe Henigan’s title aspirations are spot on.

Memphis was voted as the preseason favorite for the first time in AAC history after receiving 23 out of 30 first-place votes.

The Tigers aren’t patting themselves on the back for a poll released before preseason camp even starts. It does, however, represent the expectations Memphis is shouldering this year.

Henigan understands the responsibility and is preparing accordingly.

“I’ve been uber-focused this offseason for this season because I know it holds so much weight for my career and for our program’s future as well,” Henigan said. “And obviously we just want to win a championship.”

Henigan, who graduated with a business management degree last summer, is the most experienced player in the conference.

Offensive coordinator Tim Cramsey called Henigan the smartest football player he’s ever coached, and his maturity has improved each season. Although he’s got a complete handle on the offense by now, Henigan never stops looking something new to learn. 

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“I was watching a video on social media. It was, I think, Kevin McHale talking about his coach,” Henigan said. “And he said it’s the things that you learn after you know it all that make all the difference.

“That resonated with me because I’ve been in the system for three years now, going on my fourth year. And the things that I learn after I know the offense, (it’s) the little details that make all the difference. Just watching film and connecting with my teammates more, that’s what it’s all about.”

Seeing his goals in the mirror each day help keep Henigan on track. He compares it to using a supplement that helps the body perform better during workouts.

“Creatine, I feel like, is half for your body and half for your mind. It just reminds you of your goal every single day to make your body better,” Henigan said. “ Even if it’s not doing anything, it’s like a reminder that I’m actively trying to make my body better.

“I feel like writing down your goals and looking at it every single day is kind of the same thing. It just reminds you of what you’re trying to be focused on every single day, and then you go about your day differently.”