Memphis Football Coach Shifts Recruiting Focus to Transfer Portal

Charles Huff details new strategy to build rosters through college transfers over high school recruits.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Memphis football head coach Charles Huff has announced a shift in the program's recruiting approach, stating that the Tigers will now focus more on recruiting players through the NCAA transfer portal rather than traditional high school recruiting. Huff believes this new strategy will allow Memphis to build rosters more quickly and effectively than relying solely on high school talent.

Why it matters

This represents a significant change in how Memphis has historically built its football program, moving away from an emphasis on developing young talent through the high school ranks. The transfer portal has become an increasingly important tool for college coaches to quickly add experienced players to their rosters, and Huff's decision signals that Memphis is embracing this new recruiting landscape.

The details

According to Huff, the Tigers will now focus the majority of their recruiting efforts on identifying and securing commitments from players already in the NCAA transfer portal. This approach allows Memphis to target more mature, game-ready talent that can contribute immediately, rather than relying on high school prospects who may need several years of development before making an impact.

  • Huff announced the new recruiting strategy on February 5, 2026.

The players

Charles Huff

The head football coach of the University of Memphis Tigers.

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What they’re saying

“We have to be strategic in how we build this program, and the transfer portal gives us the best opportunity to quickly add experienced talent that can help us win now.”

— Charles Huff, Head Football Coach (on3.com)

What’s next

Huff and his coaching staff will now shift their full attention to scouring the NCAA transfer portal for potential additions to the Memphis roster ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Memphis' decision to prioritize the transfer portal over high school recruiting represents a significant shift in how the program is approaching roster-building, signaling a desire to quickly build a competitive team that can contend for championships in the near future.