As is always the case, Memphis football will have plenty of new faces in 2024.
The Tigers were picked in the preseason poll to finish first in the American Athletic Conference, and they have gotten buzz as a potential College Football Playoff team. That’s partly because they are bringing back their top players from last season — quarterback Seth Henigan, wide receiver Roc Taylor, linebacker Chandler Martin and other projected starters on both sides of the ball.
But coach Ryan Silverfield also picked up plenty of impact players in both the winter and spring transfer portals. So Tigers fans will see new faces and numbers when Memphis kicks off its season on Aug. 31 against North Alabama at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Here’s a quick list of five transfers who could make an immediate impact in 2024.
Elijah Herring, linebacker
Herring’s commitment headlined a strong spring transfer class for the Tigers. A Murfreesboro native, Herring made 79 tackles to lead Tennessee in 2023, but entered the portal after he fell down the Volunteers’ depth chart.
He projects as an instant starter next to Martin, who was Memphis’ leading tackler in 2023 and earned first-team All-AAC honors. That pair will be among the strongest in the conference, and they’re the undisputed strength of the rebuilt Memphis defense.
Kobee Minor, cornerback
Memphis needs to improve its secondary in 2024, and the job got harder after DeAgo Brumfield — a starting cornerback last season — left for Mississippi State. In comes Minor, who earned All-Big Ten honorable mention status in 2023 after tallying 29 tackles and four pass breakups for Indiana.
He’s the Tigers’ most proven cornerback and chose Memphis over interest from multiple power conference schools.
Mario Anderson, running back
Memphis has been known for its running backs in the past few years, but Blake Watson exhausted his eligibility after rushing for more than 1,000 yards in 2023. So coach Ryan Silverfield secured the commitment of Anderson, who led South Carolina in rushing last season and chose Memphis over Southern Cal and Oklahoma.
The former Division II All-American at Newberry College is expected to serve as the Tigers’ top running back in 2024.
Jaylen Nichols, offensive tackle
Nichols was Anderson’s teammate at South Carolina in 2023, but they never played together because Nichols tore his ACL in the Gamecocks’ spring game and missed the entire season. He was slated to start at left tackle before the injury, though.
Nichols was still working his way back from the injury during spring practices, and Old Dominion transfer Chris Adams is now in the mix. But the 6-foot-5, 318-pound Nichols could be a significant new piece for the offensive line if he’s healthy.
Reggie Grimes, defensive end
Grimes — a standout at Ravenwood High School — transferred to Memphis from Oklahoma in the offseason. He made 43 tackles with the Sooners but could play a bigger role for the Tigers this season.
They need consistency across the defensive line, and especially someone who can rush the passer. Grimes will have a good chance to earn major playing time during fall practices.
Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Five transfers to watch for Memphis football in 2024
