Memphis football produced a dramatic comeback victory over South Florida, winning 52-41 on Thursday, November 12, 2026, after nearly surrendering a 21-point first-quarter advantage. The Tigers survived a remarkable second-half fight from the Bulls to secure an important victory in the American Conference title race.

The Memphis vs South Florida matchup featured explosive offensive performances, multiple rushing touchdowns and a late defensive stand that ultimately decided the contest. Marcus Stokes played a major role in Memphis’ victory, throwing for 313 yards and three touchdowns while adding two rushing scores.

South Florida appeared to have completed an incredible comeback when it took a 41-38 lead with just over eight minutes remaining. However, Memphis responded with a long touchdown pass before its defense delivered crucial plays to secure the win.

Memphis vs South Florida Final Score

Memphis started the game with tremendous offensive momentum, scoring three unanswered touchdowns to take a 21-0 lead in the opening quarter.

However, USF gradually found its rhythm and made the contest much closer before halftime. The Bulls continued their comeback after the break, eventually moving ahead 41-38.

Memphis refused to collapse under pressure and delivered the decisive response in the closing minutes.

Marcus Stokes Leads Memphis Football With Five Total Touchdowns

Marcus Stokes delivered one of the biggest performances of the game for Memphis football. The quarterback completed 15 of 31 passing attempts for 313 yards and three touchdowns without throwing an interception.

His contribution was not limited to the passing game. Stokes also rushed eight times for 73 yards and two touchdowns, giving him five total touchdowns.

One of his most important moments came early in the game when he scored on a 53-yard rushing touchdown to put Memphis ahead.

Stokes later connected with Hunter Tipton for a seven-yard touchdown before adding another rushing score to help Memphis establish its early advantage.

His biggest passing play arrived late in the fourth quarter when he found Jemyri Davis for a 76-yard touchdown. That explosive connection helped Memphis regain control after South Florida had taken the lead.

Jemyri Davis Delivers Crucial 76-Yard Touchdown

Jemyri Davis was another major contributor in the Memphis vs South Florida game.

Davis finished with five receptions for 161 yards and one touchdown. His 76-yard scoring reception from Marcus Stokes was arguably the most important offensive play of the night.

The touchdown quickly changed the momentum after South Florida had taken a 41-38 advantage with 8:04 remaining.

Stonka Burnside also contributed with two receptions for 30 yards and a touchdown, while Hunter Tipton recorded two catches for 14 yards and a score.

Freshman Jordan Thompson provided another spark with two rushing attempts for 51 yards, including a 41-yard run.

South Florida Football Nearly Completes Incredible Comeback

South Florida football showed tremendous resilience after falling behind by three touchdowns.

The Bulls struggled during the opening quarter but gradually found success through their rushing attack and passing game.

Quarterback Luke Kromenhoek was particularly important in the comeback. His ability to run the football caused problems for the Memphis defense throughout the second half.

Kromenhoek reached 132 rushing yards during the comeback and scored another rushing touchdown to help South Florida tie the game.

Jason Collins Jr. also delivered a spectacular 75-yard rushing touchdown, while his connection with Kromenhoek on a 13-yard screen touchdown helped the Bulls continue their offensive push.

South Florida eventually turned a 21-0 deficit into a 41-38 lead, creating the possibility of one of the biggest comebacks of the season.

However, the Bulls could not finish the job.

Memphis vs South Florida Timeline: How the Game Unfolded

The Memphis vs South Florida timeline featured several dramatic momentum changes.

• First quarter: Memphis opened with a 21-0 lead. Marcus Stokes scored on a 53-yard rushing touchdown, connected with Hunter Tipton and added another rushing score.

• South Florida responds: Luke Kromenhoek connected with Mudia Reuben for a three-yard touchdown on fourth down, making it 21-10.

• Memphis extends the advantage: Jaylin Carter scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown to increase the lead to 28-10.

• Before halftime: Kromenhoek found Reuben for another touchdown. Memphis entered halftime leading 28-17.

• Third quarter: South Florida scored again through a 13-yard touchdown connection between Kromenhoek and Jason Collins Jr.

• Fourth quarter: Collins delivered a 75-yard rushing touchdown as the Bulls continued their comeback.

• South Florida takes the lead: Kromenhoek scored another rushing touchdown, giving USF a 41-38 advantage with 8:04 remaining.

• Memphis responds: Marcus Stokes connected with Jemyri Davis for a 76-yard touchdown.

• Final defensive stand: South Florida had another opportunity to score, but a dropped fourth-down touchdown pass and two late Memphis sacks ended the comeback attempt.

• Final score: Jaylin Carter added a late rushing touchdown as Memphis secured a 52-41 victory.

Memphis vs South Florida Match Player Stats

The individual performances highlighted the offensive quality of both teams. Memphis received outstanding production from Marcus Stokes, Jemyri Davis and Jaylin Carter.

Memphis player statistics

South Florida player performances

Luke Kromenhoek was central to the Bulls’ offensive comeback, particularly with his rushing ability. Jason Collins Jr. also made a major impact with a 75-yard touchdown run and a receiving touchdown.

The supplied box score does not include a complete South Florida player-stat breakdown, so additional individual numbers are not included here.

Memphis Defense Makes the Difference Late

Although Memphis scored 52 points, its defense faced considerable problems during the second half.

South Florida repeatedly found opportunities on the ground, and Memphis struggled to contain Kromenhoek and the Bulls’ rushing attack.

However, the Tigers delivered when the game was on the line.

After the 76-yard touchdown from Stokes to Davis, South Florida drove down the field looking for another scoring opportunity. Bryson Rodgers dropped a potential touchdown pass on fourth down, giving Memphis a crucial break.

The Bulls later received another opportunity, but Memphis recorded two sacks to shut down the final threat.

J. Tapp led the defensive effort with three sacks, while E. Kinsler added 1.5 sacks.

Those late defensive plays helped Memphis protect its lead and avoid a devastating defeat.

Memphis vs South Florida Prediction: What Decided the Game?

The Memphis vs South Florida prediction discussion centered on the Tigers’ offensive production and their ability to handle the Bulls’ rushing attack.

Memphis ultimately won because of its explosive passing game and ability to produce important plays in pressure situations.

Marcus Stokes’ five total touchdowns gave the Tigers the offensive advantage, while Jemyri Davis’ 76-yard touchdown proved decisive.

South Florida demonstrated that it could compete offensively, especially through Kromenhoek’s rushing production. However, the Bulls struggled to finish their final opportunities.

The biggest difference was Memphis’ execution during the closing minutes. Despite losing its 21-point lead and falling behind, the Tigers found a way to respond.

What’s Next for Memphis Football?

Memphis will return to action on November 21, when the Tigers travel to face Navy.

The victory over South Florida provides an important boost as Memphis continues its push in the American Conference title race.

For USF football, the defeat will be disappointing after such an impressive comeback. The Bulls showed considerable offensive potential but could not produce the defensive stops needed to complete the upset.

Final Thoughts

The Memphis vs South Florida matchup delivered an entertaining college football contest with a dramatic finish. Memphis won 52-41 after blowing a 21-point lead, overcoming a South Florida comeback that briefly put the Bulls ahead in the fourth quarter.

Marcus Stokes finished with 313 passing yards and five total touchdowns, while Jaylin Carter and Jemyri Davis provided outstanding support.

South Florida deserves credit for its comeback effort, but Memphis made the decisive plays when it mattered most. The Tigers leave Tampa with a valuable victory and remain in the American Conference title conversation.