Charles Huff takes over a Memphis Tigers program in a strong position. With Ryan Silverfield departing for Arkansas, the Tigers required a new leader to guide the team.
Huff may represent an upgrade, and some of his players could follow him to Memphis through the transfer portal.
Ian Foster, Safety
Foster was Southern Miss’s highest-graded player and had an 83.8 grade according to PFSN’s Safety Impact metric. The redshirt sophomore had a big season for the Golden Eagles, and he could be a nice fit at Memphis.
He recorded 71 tackles this year while also intercepting three passes and taking two of those for touchdowns. He’s a difference-maker on the back end of the defense, and that could help bolster Huff’s new defense.
Chris Jones, Linebacker
The Tigers addressed the linebacker position heavily last year, meaning they’ll be looking for replacements heading into the 2026 season. Adding Chris Jones gives them a certified playmaker to replace some of that talent.
Jones is a sophomore, and he had a sensational season this year to put his name on the map. He led the team with 129 tackles and also added 7.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and an interception.
J’Mond Tapp, EDGE
Huff hammered the transfer portal when he arrived at Southern Miss, so don’t be surprised if he does the same at his new school. One of the players to join him was J’Mond Tapp, who transferred from Arizona State and Texas.
In 2025, he led the team with 11.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. He gave the Golden Eagles a force on the interior, and his skill set would upgrade the Tigers’ defensive line. He also finished fifth on the team in tackles and scored an 82.4 on PFSN’s Edge Impact metrics.
Jeffery Pittman, Running Back
Memphis needs running back talent, so expect Huff to hit the portal to find it. Pittman is another player familiar with the transfer portal, transferring to Southern Miss from Mississippi State.
He led the team with 640 yards rushing and eight touchdowns and could improve upon those numbers with more talent around him at Memphis. The redshirt junior wouldn’t have much to give in terms of remaining eligibility, but he gives Huff a reliable player to help change the culture.
Michael Montgomery, Linebacker
Again, linebacker figures to be a positional need for the Tigers next year, and Huff has multiple options from Southern Miss should they enter the portal. If they’re looking for a player with great size, Michael Montgomery should be right up their alley.
Montgomery stands 6-foot-4 and 250 pounds, making him an ideal player to leap a tougher conference. He had a big year for Southern Miss, recording 100 tackles to finish second on the team.
