The Memphis Tigers are set to begin another highly anticipated season under Penny Hardaway, now entering his eighth year at the helm. The Tigers have become a fixture on the national stage, often among the American Athletic Conference’s top programs. After a 29-6 season and a conference tournament title, their 2024-25 campaign ended with a disappointing first-round loss to Colorado State. Now, Hardaway and company aim to turn that frustration into motivation as they prepare for a challenging 2025-26 non-conference schedule.
Saturday, November 8 vs. San Francisco
Memphis opens its season at home against San Francisco. The Dons already have one game under their belt, having handled California Santa Cruz with ease. The Tigers will need to come out sharp to avoid an early stumble against a team capable of pulling an upset if underestimated.
Tuesday, November 11 at Ole Miss
A tough early-season road test in Oxford awaits Memphis. The Rebels have been improving under Chris Beard and play with an aggressive edge. This matchup should offer a good gauge of how the Tigers handle adversity outside of FedExForum.
Sunday, November 16 vs. UNLV
UNLV brings athleticism and pace, making for an entertaining matchup. Expect both teams to push the tempo and test each other’s depth in what could be a high-scoring contest.
Thursday, November 20 vs. Purdue (Bahamas)
The marquee matchup of the early season. Purdue opens the year ranked No. 1 and looks like a powerhouse under Matt Painter. Memphis has won five of six all-time meetings, but the last came back in 2005. Facing the Boilermakers in the Bahamas will test Memphis’s discipline, physicality, and ability to execute against elite talent.
Friday, November 21 vs. Texas Tech or Wake Forest (Bahamas)
Game two in the Bahamas will come against another Power Five opponent. Whether it’s Texas Tech’s toughness or Wake Forest’s up-tempo offense, the Tigers won’t have much time to rest. These games will tell a lot about how tournament-ready this group might be by November’s end.
Wednesday, November 26 vs. Southern Illinois
A classic trap game on paper. The Salukis are disciplined and can frustrate opponents with their defensive style. Memphis will need to stay focused to avoid a letdown after their tropical trip.
Wednesday, December 3 vs. New Orleans
A chance for Memphis to tighten its rotations and regain rhythm before the more difficult December stretch. Expect Hardaway to use this game to work in his bench players.
Saturday, December 6 vs. Baylor
One of the biggest home games of the season. Scott Drew’s Baylor Bears are loaded once again and will bring size, speed, and shooting to the FedExForum. Memphis hasn’t forgotten the 2014 loss that still lingers in fans’ memories, and this game offers a chance for long-awaited revenge.
Saturday, December 13 at Louisville
A matchup with plenty of history and bad blood. The Tigers and Cardinals meet for the first time since 2017, with Louisville holding a 48-35 edge in the all-time series. The Cardinals are a national contender, making this an excellent test for Memphis heading into conference play.
Wednesday, December 17 vs. Vanderbilt
The in-state clash brings the Commodores to Memphis. Expect a contrast in styles: Memphis’s athleticism versus Vanderbilt’s half-court execution. The Tigers trail 7-8 in the all-time series, and a home win here would even things up.
Saturday, December 20 at Mississippi State
A trip to Starkville right before Christmas is never easy. The Bulldogs took down Memphis last year, and the Tigers will be eager to return the favor. Expect a physical, SEC-style battle between regional rivals.
Monday, December 22 vs. Alabama State
The non-conference finale should be a tune-up game before AAC play begins. The Tigers have beaten Alabama State in both prior meetings, and this matchup should allow them to close out the pre-holiday slate on a high note.
Tigers Eye a Fast Start
Penny Hardaway’s squad has no shortage of talent or confidence heading into the 2025-26 campaign. The question will be whether the Tigers can turn their athletic gifts into consistent execution. With a mix of marquee matchups and tricky regional contests, Memphis has every opportunity to make a statement before league play begins.