Tampa, Fla.— What was supposed to be a postseason opportunity instead became a difficult ending to the year for Memphis football.
Playing shorthanded and in transition, the Tigers closed their 2025 campaign with a 31–7 loss to NC State in the Gasparilla Bowl on Friday afternoon at Raymond James Stadium. The Wolfpack struck immediately with a touchdown on the opening drive and never looked back, racing out to a 21-point advantage early in the second quarter and controlling the game from start to finish.
NC State wasted little time seizing control, striking twice in the opening stretch to build a 14–0 advantage. Bailey orchestrated a crisp seven-play, 75-yard march that ended with his 14-yard touchdown toss, opening the scoring. Moments later, he stretched the margin to two scores by hitting Wesley Grimes in stride for a 31-yard touchdown.
Bailey wasn’t finished in the first half. Late in the second quarter, he delivered his second touchdown pass of the night, dropping a perfectly placed 40-yard throw along the sideline to Teddy Hoffman, pushing the Wolfpack’s lead to 31–7 and firmly putting the game out of reach.
Memphis entered the bowl severely depleted on offense, missing multiple starters because of injuries and opt-outs. The Tigers were without key contributors along the offensive line, their top wide receiver, and both primary running backs. Two of those absences were particularly evident, as injured starters were seen in walking boots on the sideline. The situation worsened when receiver Jamari Hawkins exited the game with an injury.
Defensively, Memphis struggled to slow NC State’s rhythm in the opening half, allowing the Wolfpack to dictate tempo and field position. While the Tigers showed more resistance after halftime — a familiar trend throughout the season — the deficit was too large to overcome, and the contest never tightened into a true battle.
The loss marked Memphis’ first bowl defeat since 2019, following the Cotton Bowl played after the departure of head coach Mike Norvell. This postseason appearance also closed a chapter for the program, as it was the Tigers’ first game since Ryan Silverfield accepted a position at Arkansas. Reggie Howard guided the team as interim head coach for the bowl.
Significant change now awaits Memphis. Charles Huff is set to take over the program, and roster turnover is expected as the Tigers begin reshaping for the next era.
