USF vs. Memphis: 2026 Game Day Guide, Kickoff Time, TV, Weather and What to Watch
Kickoff Information
USF returns home Thursday, November 12, when the Bulls host Memphis at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with the game airing nationally on ESPN. Fans can also listen to the broadcast on Q105 FM or through Bulls Unlimited.
- Date: Thursday, November 12, 2026
- Kickoff: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- TV: ESPN
- Radio: Q105 FM / Bulls Unlimited
- USF Record: 6-3 (2-3 American)
- Memphis Record: 7-2 (4-1 American)
TICKETS
USF Event (vcal_14394-gousfbulls.com)
Weather
Thursday's forecast calls for partly cloudy skies in Tampa, with temperatures expected to be around 72 degrees at kickoff.
The afternoon high is forecast to reach 79 degrees, with an overnight low near 62. Rain chances are expected to remain low during the game, making for comfortable conditions at Raymond James Stadium.
- Kickoff Temperature: 72°F
- Conditions: Partly cloudy
- High: 79°F
- Low: 62°F
- Rain Chance: Approximately 7%
Coaches Thoughts
Brian Hartline – USF
USF enters the matchup coming off a difficult 20-17 loss at East Carolina, where a 55-yard field goal ended the game. Despite the disappointment, Hartline said the team's response during practice has been encouraging.
The head coach has emphasized the importance of finishing the season strong, both for the program and the players who will be competing for their futures.
Hartline also addressed the recurring execution problems that have contributed to several close losses this season.
The message heading into Memphis is straightforward. USF needs to execute consistently and take responsibility on both sides of the ball, particularly when games reach their deciding moments.
Charles Huff – Memphis
Memphis arrives in Tampa under first-year head coach Charles Huff, who previously led Marshall. The Tigers are 7-2 overall and 4-1 in American Conference play, putting them firmly in contention for the conference championship.
Memphis has been especially productive offensively, averaging more than 513 yards per game. The offense features quarterback Marcus Stokes, who has thrown for 2,532 yards and 25 touchdowns, along with running back Jaylin Carter, who has rushed for 929 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Tigers enter the matchup following a 49-22 victory over Army, a game in which Stokes threw four touchdown passes.
The Matchup
Memphis brings one of the most productive offenses in the country to Tampa. The Tigers rank among the nation's top five offenses, averaging 513.3 yards per game and 37.6 points.
USF presents a significant challenge on the other side of the ball. The Bulls rank 25th nationally in total defense, allowing just 312.7 yards per game, and are giving up only 15.1 points per contest.
The contrast comes on offense, where USF has struggled to generate consistent production. The Bulls average 319.1 yards per game, compared to more than 500 for Memphis.
The Tigers also have a considerable advantage in rushing production, averaging 223.4 yards per game. USF will need to slow down the ground game while preventing Stokes from finding opportunities through the air.
Key Matchups
Marcus Stokes vs. USF Secondary
Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes has been one of the conference's most productive players this season. He enters Thursday with 2,532 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and six interceptions while completing 69.1 percent of his passes.
USF's secondary has been a strength, allowing just 183.3 passing yards per game.
The Bulls will need to limit Stokes' opportunities downfield and make Memphis work for its points. Getting pressure without sacrificing coverage will be important against an offense capable of producing explosive plays.
Jaylin Carter vs. USF Front Seven
Memphis has a dangerous running game led by Jaylin Carter, who has accumulated 929 yards and 10 touchdowns.
The Tigers average more than 223 rushing yards per game, making Carter a major part of their offensive identity.
USF has allowed 129.3 rushing yards per game this season. Controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting Carter's production on early downs will be critical.
USF Running Game vs. Memphis Defense
Memphis has been considerably less effective stopping the run than producing it. The Tigers are allowing 187.2 rushing yards per game.
That creates an opportunity for USF to establish its ground game and take some pressure off the passing attack.
D.J. Crowther is coming off a 111-yard performance against East Carolina, but his availability remains uncertain after leaving that game with an injury.
If Crowther is available, his production could be an important factor in keeping the Bulls competitive.
What to Watch For
USF's ability to slow down Memphis
The Tigers have one of the most productive offenses in college football. USF's defense has been a strength throughout the season, but this will be one of its biggest tests. The Bulls need to limit explosive plays and force Memphis into longer drives.
The quarterback situation
Luke Kromenhoek completed 17 of 21 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown against East Carolina. He could make his second consecutive start, although Hartline has not disclosed Michael Van Buren's availability.
How USF manages the quarterback position will be worth watching.
Finishing close games
USF has lost three games by a combined 14 points. The losses to Temple, UTSA and East Carolina have all come down to late-game execution.
Against a 7-2 Memphis team, the Bulls cannot afford to give away opportunities.
The home-field advantage
Thursday brings a nationally televised game and an opportunity for USF to make a statement at Raymond James Stadium.
ESPN's SportsCenter On Campus will also be broadcasting from Bulls Bay beginning at 5 p.m., adding to the atmosphere surrounding the game.
The Bottom Line
Memphis comes to Tampa with a 7-2 record and one of the most productive offenses in the country. The Tigers have the ability to attack through the air and on the ground, creating a difficult challenge for a USF defense that has otherwise been one of the team's biggest strengths.
For the Bulls, the path to an upset starts with controlling the line of scrimmage, limiting explosive plays and finding a way to sustain drives offensively.
USF has been competitive in several of its losses this season, but the inability to finish games has become a recurring problem. Thursday offers another opportunity to change that narrative.
The Bulls are also looking for their first win over Memphis since 2016. A victory would provide a significant boost as USF enters the final stretch of the regular season.
Go Bulls!