Marcus Stokes throws five touchdown passes as Memphis beats Charlotte 59-8 in American Athletic Conference opener

In Charlotte, North Carolina, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, the Memphis Tigers defeated the Charlotte 49ers 59-8 in an American Athletic Conference opener. Quarterback Marcus Stokes threw a career-high five touchdown passes, completing 20 of 25 passes for 318 yards. Jermane Hayes caught six passes for 163 yards and a touchdown. Charlotte's Henry Rutledge ran for 111 yards and a touchdown. The game was moved to an earlier kickoff due to expected bad weather. Memphis improved to 4-1, while Charlotte fell to 0-5.