Huff Says Rumors Help Memphis Recruiting
Memphis coach Charles Huff said reports about his future help him recruit, ahead of Memphis' November 12 game at South Florida.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Football
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Memphis football coach Charles Huff said at his weekly news conference on November 10 that rumors he could leave for a bigger program work in his favor with recruits. Memphis is 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the American Conference, and plays South Florida in Tampa on November 12.
Why it matters
Huff, in his first year at Memphis after coaching at Marshall in 2024 and Southern Miss in 2025, has been mentioned on hot boards for open power conference jobs. His comments show how coaching speculation can shape recruiting battles for the Tigers.
Memphis is 7-2 overall and 4-1 in the American Conference, while South Florida is 6-3 overall and 2-3 in the conference. The kickoff is set for 7 p.m. CT on November 12 in Tampa on ESPN, and the story does not address how the rumors may affect future recruits beyond Huff's own remarks.
The players
Charles Huff
Charles Huff is the first-year head football coach at Memphis, previously coaching at Marshall and Southern Miss, and has been featured on hot boards for open power conference jobs.
The details
Huff told recruits that coaches' claims he will leave Memphis work in his favor, and that they will go with him if he moves to a bigger program. He said the speculation helps him because recruits want to follow him, and Memphis already faced Boise State this season.
Timeline
2024: Huff coaches at Marshall.
2025: Huff coaches at Southern Miss.
November 10: Huff makes his remarks at his weekly news conference.
November 12, 7 p.m. CT: Memphis plays South Florida in Tampa on ESPN.
After the South Florida game: Memphis faces Navy on the road.
Season Trajectory
Huff's comments come as Memphis pursues a strong finish in the American Conference while coaching rumors circulate around the program. Memphis' 4-1 conference mark and upcoming games against South Florida and Navy will shape how much attention Huff's future draws.
Fans tracking Memphis can watch the November 12 game at South Florida on ESPN, with kickoff at 7 p.m. CT. The team's 4-1 American Conference record makes each remaining game important for the conference race.
The takeaway
Coaching speculation can become part of recruiting, and recruits may weigh a coach's likely future alongside a program's current record. Following Memphis' remaining games will show whether the rumors affect the team's results.
What happens next
Memphis plays South Florida in Tampa on November 12 at 7 p.m. CT on ESPN, followed by a road game at Navy.
Further reading
Follow the latest from the Football section for more on Memphis and the American Conference.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Commercial Appeal.
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