Jason & John discussed the expecations for Ryan Silverfield's 2025 Memphis Tigers Football team and the mixed legacy of Silverfield as the coach with Daily Memphian Memphis Tigers Football Beat Writer Frank Bonner.
AUDIO:
As Ryan Silverfield enters the 2025 season as Memphis Tigers head coach, expectations are high—but far from unanimous. After guiding Memphis to consistent bowl appearances and solid records, Silverfield has shown stability. Yet, critics argue he hasn’t elevated the program since inheriting it from Mike Norvell. With the College Football Playoff expanding and the AAC's national profile evolving, some fans expect Silverfield to deliver a conference title or New Year’s Six berth, not just bowl eligibility.
Complicating his legacy are mixed signals: his teams win, but rarely in dominant fashion; his recruiting is steady, but not game-changing. Some view him as a steady hand maintaining relevance, while others see a coach who’s plateaued. The 2025 season could define his tenure—either affirming him as the right long-term leader or amplifying calls for change if Memphis underwhelms. Silverfield’s future hinges on transforming stability into something more dynamic.
2025 Memphis Football Schedule
Sat, Aug 30 – vs • Chattanooga (FCS) – 3:30 p.m. (ESPN+), at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Sat, Sep 6 – @ Georgia State – 6 p.m. (ESPN+), in Atlanta, GA
Sat, Sep 13 – @ Troy – 11 a.m. (ESPNU), in Troy, AL
Sat, Sep 20 – vs • Arkansas – Time TBA, SEC opponent at home
Sat, Sep 27 – @ Florida Atlantic – Time TBA, in Boca Raton, FL
Sat, Oct 4 – vs • Tulsa – Time TBA, home (AAC)
Sat, Oct 18 – @ UAB – Time TBA, in Birmingham, AL (AAC)
Sat, Oct 25 – vs • South Florida – Time TBA, home (AAC)
Fri, Oct 31 – @ Rice – 6 p.m. (AAC), in Houston, TX
Fri, Nov 7 – vs • Tulane – 8 p.m. (AAC), ESPN at home
Sat, Nov 15 – @ East Carolina – (AAC), in Greenville, NC
Thu, Nov 27 – vs • Navy – 6:30 p.m. (AAC), home
Dec 5–6 – American Athletic Conference Championship Game (if qualified)
