Memphis Basketball Players Mulling Returns for 2026-27 Season

Several key Tigers considering staying for extra year of eligibility after tough 2025-26 campaign.

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:03am

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After a disappointing 13-19 season that ended with a first-round loss in the American Conference Tournament, the Memphis Tigers basketball team faces an uncertain offseason. Several key players are weighing whether to return for the 2026-27 season, taking advantage of extra eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why it matters

Memphis has struggled in recent years under head coach Penny Hardaway, and retaining top talent will be crucial for the program to bounce back. The decisions of these players could significantly impact the Tigers' outlook for next season and beyond.

The details

Memphis saw its 2025-26 campaign come to an end with an 81-69 loss to Tulane in the first round of the American Conference Tournament. The Tigers finished the season with a 13-19 record, a far cry from the success the program had grown accustomed to. Now, several players are evaluating whether to use their additional year of eligibility and return to Memphis for the 2026-27 season.

  • The 2025-26 Memphis Tigers basketball season ended on March 11, 2026 with a loss to Tulane in the American Conference Tournament.
  • Players have until April 24, 2026 to declare whether they will return to Memphis for the 2026-27 season.

The players

Penny Hardaway

The head coach of the Memphis Tigers basketball team, who is facing pressure to turn the program around after a disappointing 2025-26 season.

Tulane

The opponent that defeated Memphis in the first round of the 2026 American Conference Tournament, ending the Tigers' season.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to take some time to evaluate everything and make the best decisions for our futures. This season was tough, but we have to look ahead now.”

— Jayden Hardaway, Memphis Tigers Guard (Commercial Appeal)

What’s next

Players have until April 24, 2026 to officially declare whether they will return to Memphis for the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

Memphis basketball faces a critical offseason as it looks to rebound from a difficult 2025-26 campaign. The decisions of key players on whether to return could significantly shape the trajectory of the program moving forward.