Memphis Spring Football Quarterback Battle Heats Up

Two transfer QBs compete for starting role in Tigers' offense

Mar. 21, 2026 at 2:23pm

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As Memphis Tigers football prepares for spring practice, one of the top storylines will be the battle for the starting quarterback job. The Tigers have had a strong run of QBs over the past decade, and they'll be looking for a new leader to emerge from a competition between transfer players Caden Stokes and Luke Noland.

Why it matters

Solid quarterback play is crucial for Memphis to return to the top of the American Athletic Conference. The Tigers need a signal-caller who can effectively run the offense and provide consistent production through the air and on the ground.

The details

Caden Stokes arrives at Memphis after a standout career at Division II West Florida, where he was named the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year. The 6'2", 215-lb. Stokes threw for 3,297 yards and 30 touchdowns while completing over 60% of his passes. He also rushed for 367 yards and 10 scores. Luke Noland was a 4-star recruit coming out of high school who started his career at Ohio State before transferring to South Carolina. The 6'2" left-handed passer will now get a chance to compete for the starting job at Memphis, where he'll showcase his strong arm and accuracy.

  • Memphis spring football practice begins on Monday, March 25, 2026.

The players

Caden Stokes

A transfer quarterback from Division II West Florida, where he was the Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2025.

Luke Noland

A 4-star quarterback recruit who started his career at Ohio State before transferring to South Carolina, and is now competing for the starting job at Memphis.

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What they’re saying

“A pass-first quarterback but has some creativity and mobility when needed. One of the safest bets among quarterbacks in the 2024 cycle given his on-field success and production relative to his peers.”

— Charles Power, Scouting Analyst

What’s next

The quarterback battle is expected to continue through fall camp, with a starter likely not being named until right before the season opener.

The takeaway

Memphis' search for its next starting quarterback is a crucial storyline this spring, as the Tigers look to get back to the top of the American Athletic Conference. The competition between transfers Caden Stokes and Luke Noland will be one of the most closely watched battles during spring practice.