Memphis will have its starting quarterback in the lineup for its biggest game of the 2025 college football season against USF. Despite dealing with an injury during the week, Brendon Lewis is slated to remain in the Tigers’ starting lineup.

Lewis, who was questionable throughout the week, is “expected to start,” according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The Nevada transfer has been managing a leg injury that limited his participation in Week 9 practices.

Lewis has started each of the team’s first seven games but left early in Week 8. After completing 9-of-10 passes for 68 scoreless yards, he exited early in the second half, with true freshman AJ Hill taking his place. The team confirmed afterward that Lewis had suffered a leg injury in the first half.

As a result of Lewis’ injury, Memphis suffered its first loss of the 2025 season in Week 8. That defeat dropped the Tigers out of the AP Top 25 ahead of their matchup against the No. 18-ranked USF.

Although Lewis is expected to start, his playtime could be limited due to the leg injury. Entering Week 9, the senior quarterback has accumulated 1,337 passing yards and 440 rushing yards. Notably, Lewis has nearly as many rushing touchdowns (7) as passing touchdowns (8) through eight games.

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### Memphis vs. USF: An Underrated College Football Showdown

While much of the college football world will be focused on the SEC in Week 9, Memphis and USF are set to face off in what could be the most underrated matchup of the week.

Both teams enter the game with identical 6-1 records, and the winner will take control of the American Athletic Conference. Though Memphis may not boast the same high-profile wins as USF, the Tigers have consistently been at the top of the conference during head coach Ryan Silverfield’s tenure.

If Memphis can defend its home turf and pull off the upset, it will mark the team’s first ranked win of the season. With both teams trending strongly, this game could serve as a preview for a future American Athletic Conference Championship Game matchup.

Last season, Memphis narrowly missed the 2024 title game despite a strong 10-2 regular season record. This week’s clash offers a pivotal opportunity for the Tigers to assert themselves once again as conference frontrunners.
https://clutchpoints.com/ncaa-football/memphis-football-news-brendon-lewis-likely-south-florida