Memphis Baseball Ready for Season Opener in Clearwater

Tigers aim to end two-year drought and reach American Conference Tournament

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The Memphis Tigers baseball team is set to begin its 2026 season this weekend, with head coach Matt Riser determined to lead the squad to the American Conference Tournament after failing to qualify in his first two years. Riser has set the goal of reaching the conference tournament, known as "Clearwater", as the team's top priority for the upcoming campaign.

Why it matters

Memphis baseball has struggled in recent years, missing the American Conference Tournament in each of the past two seasons. Riser's third year as head coach represents a critical juncture, as the program looks to return to the postseason and compete for championships after a prolonged drought.

The details

The Tigers will open their season with a three-game home series against Toledo starting on Friday. Riser believes this year's team will be defined by its maturity and ability to handle high expectations, rather than any specific strengths in hitting, pitching or defense. The head coach has made it clear that at minimum, the team's goal is to qualify for the eight-team American Conference Tournament, known as "Clearwater", after falling short in his first two seasons.

  • The 2026 Memphis Baseball season will begin on Friday, February 14th.
  • Memphis was eliminated from conference tournament contention last season after losing a series at Wichita State in the final weekend of the regular season.

The players

Matt Riser

The head coach of the Memphis Tigers baseball team, entering his third season in charge of the program.

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What they’re saying

“The ability to be able to handle the expectations and the standards, and obviously ultimately, the responsibility of getting this program back to where we want it right? Into a Regional, and competing for championships.”

— Matt Riser, Head Coach (actionnews5.com)

“Obviously I think that's the first one right? Each season we talk about our goals, and it starts with winning a regular season title, into a tournament title, into a Regional, a Super Regional, into Omaha. But hey man, if you can't even get into the conference tournament, there's no even discussion about any of this stuff.”

— Matt Riser, Head Coach (actionnews5.com)

What’s next

The Tigers will open their season with a three-game home series against Toledo starting on Friday, February 14th.

The takeaway

After missing the American Conference Tournament in each of the past two seasons, Memphis baseball is determined to end its postseason drought and return to the conference tournament, known as "Clearwater", as the first step towards competing for championships and reaching the NCAA Regionals.