University of Memphis Athletics
University of Memphis
South Florida
Tigers Storm Back to Defeat No. 18/20 South Florida, 34-31
Oct 25, 2025 | Football
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The University of Memphis football team (7-1, 3-1 American) staged an unbelievable comeback win over No. 18/20 South Florida (6-2, 3-1 American) with the 34-31 victory at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Saturday afternoon. The win is the first ranked home win since Memphis took down No. 23/24 SMU back in 2021.
Quarterback Brendon Lewis had a career day in the air with 307 passing yards and two touchdowns. He added in 35 yards on the ground on 11 attempts. Wide receiver Cortez Braham Jr. had a monster day, bringing in seven catches for 75 yards and two scores.
On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Sam Brumfield led all players with 13 total tackles – nine solo – while adding in a sack and 2.5 tackles for loss. Everett Roussaw Jr. collected his first career interception while Chris Bracy recorded four pass breakups along with seven tackles and one tackle for loss.
The Tigers have scored 20 or more points in 48-consecutive games – the longest active streak in the nation – dating back to a 33-28 win over Tulane on Nov. 27, 2021. Memphis has scored at least 15 points in 84-consecutive home games – the second-longest active streak in the FBS and the fourth-longest streak overall since 1978.
Dating back to a win over UAB during the 2023 season, Memphis has forced at least one turnover in 24 of its last 28 games. Over that stretch, the Tigers have created 53 takeaways (31 INT, 22 FR).
After South Florida won the toss and chose to keep the ball to start the game, Everett Roussaw Jr. picked up his first career interception and returned it to the USF 28-yard line. His field position led to Frank Peasant's longest rush of the year with a 19-yard scoring run to give Memphis the early 7-0 lead.
The Bulls offense answered right away with 21 consecutive points before quarterback Brendon Lewis found Cortez Braham Jr. for the five-yard reception. Memphis would face a 10-point deficit going into the half.
Memphis opened the second half with a 55-yard field goal from Gianni Spetic, his second from that distance this season, before the Bulls' Sam Franklin took off for a 73-yard run to make it a 31-17 South Florida advantage.
Early in the fourth quarter, Greg Desrosiers Jr. bullied his way through the line and hit paydirt for the 13-yard scoring run to put the Tigers within eight of South Florida. Spetic added in another three, this time from 28 yards out to make it a 31-26 deficit.
It was the Lewis-Braham Jr. connection again that put the Tigers ahead with 1:07 remaining in the game.
On a 2nd & goal from the 10-yard line, Lewis lobbed a pass up to Braham Jr. in the back corner of the endzone for the go-ahead score and their second connection of the day. South Florida would come down and miss a 52-yard field goal to give the Tigers the come from behind 34-31 victory.
UP NEXT:
The Tigers will hit the road and head to Houston to take on Rice Friday, Oct. 31. Kickoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. with coverage available on ESPN2.
New this year, fans are encouraged to purchase early and save. Ticket prices will increase by $5 during game week and again by an additional $5 on game day at the Box Office. This change helps support enhanced planning for security, concessions and staffing. Historically, over 90% of single-game tickets are purchased during game week. Tickets can be purchased online at GoTigersGo.com or by calling the Memphis Ticket Office at (901) 678-2331.
HOW TO FOLLOW THE TIGERS:
For complete information on Memphis Tigers Football, visit www.GoTigersGo.com and follow the team's social media channels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
