Previewing Memphis’ cornerbacks for the 2026 season

Memphis football is about to wrap up its first spring practice under Charles Huff, and it’s a perfect time to look at the roster ahead of the 2026 season.

In previous years, a second transfer portal opened in the spring, but this year, only one portal opened after the season. So, the roster that Huff has in the spring will be the same roster that will take the field for him in the fall.

After looking at most of the Tigers’ position groups, including the defensive line and linebackers, it’s time to look at the cornerbacks. 

Memphis returned four cornerbacks, including a starter, and brought in five newcomers. The coaching staff brought in players from different levels, including FCS and DII, but only brought in one high school recruit.

Here’s a look at Memphis’ 2026 cornerbacks.

Chauncey Logan Jr.

Logan transferred to Memphis ahead of the 2025 season after spending his first three seasons at James Madison, but an injury cut his season short. The cornerback began the season as a starter, but he took a medical redshirt following the injury.

Logan is back for a final season, and he’ll likely play a major role in the secondary. The cornerback has recorded 98 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and four interceptions over the last four seasons, and he could be poised for a big season in Huff’s defensive system.

Ellis Ellis Jr.

Ellis spent the last four seasons at Austin Peay, and he appeared in 34 games over the last three seasons. The cornerback recorded 82 tackles, including 49 in 2025, seven tackles for a loss and three interceptions with the Governors.

Darius Malcolm Jr.

Malcolm transferred to Memphis after spending his redshirt freshman season at Wofford, where he was named an FCS Freshman All-American by Stats Perform, FCS Football Central and Phil Steele. The Atlanta native recorded 76 tackles, four tackles for loss and 13 pass deflections in his second collegiate season, and he finished the season with an 81.8 defensive grade, according to PFF.

Anthony Richard Jr.

Richard heads to Memphis after spending a year at Marshall and Southern Miss, both under Huff. The Lafayette native, who started his career at Harding University, recorded 31 tackles and two interceptions last year with the Golden Eagles.

Ethan Wilder

Wilder enters his third season with the Tigers, and he’ll look for his first snap as a redshirt sophomore.

Jaylen Lewis

Lewis signed with Memphis as a three-star recruit in the class of 2025, and he chose the Tigers over offers from FAU, USF and UMass. Lewis saw action in four regular-season games and the bowl game on special teams.

Dilan Williamson

Williamson spent the last four seasons at D-II Concordia University, but he’s making the jump to Division I for his final season of eligibility. Williamson recorded 19 tackles and six pass deflections last season, and he had a 0 percent completion rate when targeted, according to his social media page.

Xavier Thompson

Thompson signed with the Tigers as a three-star recruit, choosing Memphis over offers from Kentucky, Miami and Michigan State, but he didn’t see any action as a true freshman. He served a redshirt year, and he has three seasons of eligibility remaining.

Josiah Brown

Brown signed with Memphis as a three-star recruit in the class of 2026, and he chose the Tigers over offers from Missouri, Arkansas State and USF. Brown recorded 69 tackles, 15 pass deflections and an interception in 10 games as a senior at Booker T. Washington in Pensacola, Florida.