Memphis QB Marcus Stokes talks transfer, competition

Stokes discusses adjusting to Memphis' coaching style and the Tigers' open QB battle.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 12:20am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

After transferring from West Florida, Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes is competing for the starting job with South Carolina's Air Noland and Southern Miss' Denzel Gardner. Stokes, the 2025 Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year, said he was drawn to Memphis by head coach Charles Huff's honest approach and the program's open competition at QB.

Why it matters

The Tigers' quarterback competition is a key storyline heading into the 2026 season, as Memphis looks to build on a 7-6 campaign in 2025 and compete in the American Athletic Conference. Stokes' arrival as a proven Division II star adds an intriguing dynamic to the battle for the starting role.

The details

Stokes said he was surprised by the cursing he heard from Huff in his first team meeting, noting it was a change from the more reserved environment at West Florida. But the quarterback said he's embraced the competition, having faced similar situations earlier in his career. Huff praised the quarterbacks' self-accountability so far in spring practice as they vie for the starting job in the Tigers' new offensive scheme.

  • Stokes arrived at Memphis after a decorated 2025 season at West Florida, where he threw for 3,297 yards, 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, and rushed for 367 yards and 10 scores.
  • Memphis began spring practice in late March 2026.

The players

Marcus Stokes

A transfer quarterback who starred at the Division II level for West Florida, winning Gulf South Conference Offensive Player of the Year in 2025.

Charles Huff

The head coach of the Memphis football team, who has impressed Stokes with his honest approach and willingness to use curse words, a change from Stokes' previous program.

Air Noland

A quarterback transfer from South Carolina who is competing with Stokes and Denzel Gardner for the starting job at Memphis.

Denzel Gardner

A quarterback transfer from Southern Miss who is competing with Stokes and Air Noland for the starting job at Memphis.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ever since I was little, I just always loved competition. I ain't never shied away from it. When I committed to Florida out of high school and then Jaden Rashada committed, me and him started becoming buddies at Elite 11. And once he committed, I was like, 'Yeah, let's get this competition going.' I feel like I've always been in a competition throughout my football career.”

— Marcus Stokes, Quarterback

“The biggest thing that I've seen is self-accountability so far. They're really holding themselves to a high standard. We went into the spring, we told the team, we're competing with ourself. You are competing with yourself every play, every day, every period. And I'm starting to see the quarterbacks really hold themselves accountable.”

— Charles Huff, Head Coach

What’s next

Memphis will continue spring practice and evaluate the quarterback competition throughout the offseason, with a starter likely to be named before the 2026 season opener.

The takeaway

Stokes' arrival at Memphis adds an intriguing element to the Tigers' quarterback battle, with the Division II standout looking to prove he can succeed at the FBS level and compete for the starting job against transfers from Power 5 programs. The open competition and Huff's honest approach have drawn Stokes to Memphis, setting the stage for an interesting QB competition this spring and summer.