It’s homecoming week for Charlotte, and the 49ers football game against Memphis on Saturday has a new start time. Kickoff for Charlotte-Memphis has been moved up to 11 a.m. Saturday at Jerry Richardson Stadium because of expected inclement weather in the Charlotte area.
The American Conference opener, originally scheduled for 3:30 p.m., will still stream on ESPN+.
Charlotte (0-4) enters conference play still searching for its first victory under head coach Tim Albin after a difficult nonconference schedule. The 49ers are coming off a 34-7 loss to Louisiana in which their offense was held to 137 total yards.
Memphis (3-1) presents another difficult challenge. The Tigers have won three of their first four games and are averaging 508 yards of offense per game, including more than 500 yards in each of their three victories.
Here is everything you need to know about the matchup, including how to watch and listen, odds, series history, stat comparisons and more.
🔄 Last Updated: October 2, 2026 12:50 am
🏟️ Memphis at Charlotte Football Game Details
Matchup: Memphis Tigers (3-1, 0-0 American) at Charlotte 49ers (0-4, 0-0 American)
Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
Time: 11 a.m. ET
Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium (Charlotte, NC)
TV: ESPN+
Broadcast Crew: Evan Budrovich (play-by-play), Reggie Walker (analyst), Maria Trivelpiece (sideline)
Charlotte Audio: Charlotte49ers.com
📊Memphis at Charlotte Betting Odds
Spread: Memphis -20.5
Over/Under Total: 52.5 points
Moneyline: Memphis -1695 | Charlotte +890
Lines courtesy FanDuel Sportsbook. Odds will be refreshed periodically during the week. All lines are subject to change.
⏪ Last Time Out
Memphis 45, UT Martin 21 (Sept. 19) – The Tigers accumulated more than 500 yards of total offense for the third straight game, cruising past their FCS foe. Memphis quarterback Marcus Stokes completed 26-of-32 passes for 258 yards and four touchdowns. Jordan Thompson rushed for 110 yards and another touchdown.
Louisiana 34, Charlotte 7 (Sept. 26) – The 49ers managed just 137 yards of offense, suffering their fourth defeat in a row and second of the season to a Sun Belt Conference foe. Charlotte’s only points came courtesy of a 54-yard fumble recovery touchdown by Jaylon Johnson.
🔍 What to Know About Memphis-Charlotte
Early kickoff due to expected weather
Charlotte’s Homecoming game will start considerably earlier than originally scheduled. Kickoff was moved from 3:30 p.m. to 11 a.m. because of expected inclement weather in the Charlotte area Saturday afternoon. The game remains scheduled to stream on ESPN+.
Charlotte looks for a fresh start in conference play
A difficult run through the nonconference schedule left Charlotte 0-4 entering its American Conference opener. The 49ers have struggled particularly on offense, averaging 19.5 points and 311.0 total yards per game. Charlotte was held to just 137 total yards in last week’s 34-7 loss to Louisiana.
There have been some bright spots defensively. The 49ers are averaging 6.5 tackles for loss per game, with linebacker Gavin Willis leading the team with 30 tackles and five tackles for loss.
Memphis brings a balanced offense to Charlotte
Containing Memphis could be a significant challenge for a Charlotte defense allowing 36.0 points per game. The Tigers are averaging 508.0 yards of offense — 267.0 passing and 241.0 rushing — while scoring 33.5 points per game.
Quarterback Marcus Stokes has thrown for 1,053 yards and nine touchdowns, while running back Jaylin Carter has rushed for 437 yards and six scores. Memphis has surpassed 500 yards of total offense in each of its three victories this season.
📊 Stats and Trends
Memphis Team Highlights
- Points For: 33.5 points per game
- Points Against: 26.0 points per game
- Passing Offense: 267.0 yards per game
- Rushing Offense: 241.0 yards per game
- Passing Defense: 253.5 yards per game
- Rushing Defense: 187.3 yards per game
Memphis Individual Statistical Leaders
- Passing: Marcus Stokes – 1,053 yards, 9 TDs, 3 INTs
- Rushing: Jaylin Carter – 437 yards, 6 TDs
- Receiving: Hunter Tipton – 307 yards, 3 TDs
- Tackles: Zach Ruffin, Mike Montgomery – 25 tackles each
- Interceptions: Dylan Smith – 2 interceptions, 26 return yards
Charlotte Team Highlights
- Points For: 19.5 points per game
- Points Against: 36.0 points per game
- Passing Offense: 205.8 passing yards per game.
- Rushing Offense: 105.3 rushing yards per game.
- Passing Defense: 232.3 passing yards per game
- Rushing Defense: 154.5 rushing yards per game.
Charlotte Individual Statistical Leaders
- Passing: Cole Gonzales – 729 yards, 3 TDs, 6 INTs
- Rushing: Khamani Alexander – 176 yards, 3 TDs
- Receiving: Jaylen Hampton – 224 yards, 2 TDs
- Tackles: Gavin Willis – 30 tackles, 5.0 TFLs,
- Interceptions: Collin Gill, Devon St. Clair – 1 interception each
📚 Series History
- Memphis leads the all-time series 2-0
- Last Meeting: Memphis 33, Charlotte 28 (Oct. 26, 2024)
- First Meeting: Memphis 44-38, OT (Nov. 11, 2023)
- Both games in American Conference play went down to the wire. The 2023 contest required overtime, while Memphis scored on a late touchdown pass in the 2024 contest.
- This will be the second game in Charlotte.
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