Breaking down Memphis' No. 31 strength of schedule:

Earlier this week, fbschedules posted the strength-of-schedule for every FBS team ahead of the 2026 season. Memphis ranks No. 31 in the country, despite not playing a Power Four opponent.

The Tigers were scheduled to play Arkansas this season, but the game was moved to 2030 after the SEC implemented the nine-game schedule. Charles Huff’s team will play UNLV and Boise State in non-conference before playing a handful of the top teams in the American during the conference slate.

It’s time to dive deeper into the No. 31 strength of schedule.

How is SOS calculated?

The method used for strength of schedule is the “win/loss method”, meaning they add up all the opponents’ records from last season and take that win percentage. The Tigers play eight teams that won six or more games last season, including five that won nine or more games a year ago.

There are several issues with this method, especially in the transfer portal era. The other issue is that it includes Memphis’ FCS opponent, UT-Martin, who went 6-6 last season.

Where does that rank among other G6 teams?

The Tigers are tied with Temple and Louisville at No. 31, and Huff’s team is tied for No. 4 among Group of Six teams. Charlotte has the toughest schedule in the G6, according to fbschedules, and Rice and UTSA also rank inside the top 30.

The next Group of Six team behind Memphis is Southern Miss at No. 37.

Other notable G6 teams:

Utah State - No. 40

Boise State - No. 43

Colorado State - No. 47

UNLV - No. 74

Hawai’i - No. 125

Toledo - No. 126

Where do teams in the American rank in SOS?

The top four Group of Six teams in strength of schedule are all from the American. Charlotte has the toughest schedule in the conference and ranks No. 20. Rice comes in at No. 23, while UTSA is at No. 28. 

Temple is tied with Memphis at No. 31. The next American team is Florida Atlantic, which comes in at No. 48.

Here’s where the American teams rank:

Charlotte - No. 20

Rice - No. 23

UTSA - No. 28

Memphis - No. 31

Temple - No. 31

Florida Atlantic - No. 48

Army - No. 63

UAB - No. 68

North Texas - No. 72

USF - No. 74

Tulane - No. 86

ECU - No. 94

Navy - No. 110

Tulsa - No. 135

What does this mean for the Tigers?

Memphis will play early non-conference games against UNLV and Boise State, and those two games could have major playoff implications. Most outlets predict both teams will win their conferences, meaning they will be in play for the G6 spot in the College Football Playoffs. 

If the Tigers win both those games, they should be in a good spot to be the G6 favorite entering conference play. The CFP committee takes strength of schedule into account, and Memphis’ No. 31 SOS should help them if they’re in position to make the College Football Playoff.