The Memphis Tigers are set for one of their biggest early-season tests as they host the Arkansas Razorbacks in a non-conference matchup this Saturday at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium in Memphis. The Tigers enter at 3-0, while Arkansas sits at 2-1 after a narrow 41-35 loss to No. 13 Ole Miss last week.
Beyond the implications of this game, Tigers quarterback Brendon Lewis has also drawn attention for a surprising family connection.
What is The Family Connection Between Brendon Lewis and Jon Alston?
Brendon Lewis was born in Dallas, Texas, and grew up with three siblings and a strong athletic background. He also has a familial connection with former NFL star Jon Alston. The Memphis Tigers’ star quarterback is the nephew of the NFL star-turned-movie director.
Alston, who starred as a linebacker at Stanford before being selected in the third round of the 2006 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams. He also played for the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers before retiring from pro football in 2011; however, his career didn’t end with football.
After earning his degree from Stanford and attending USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, he became a writer, director, and producer. His projects include contributions to shows such as “S.W.A.T.” and “All-American,” while his films Red Butterfly and Augustus have earned critical acclaim and festival honors.
That background gives Lewis a unique tie to both pro football and Hollywood, a connection fans are learning more about as he takes the reins for Memphis.
Brendon Lewis’ Role with Memphis
Lewis transferred to the Tigers from Nevada in December 2024, and before that, he was part of the Colorado Buffaloes. He quickly emerged as their starting quarterback at Memphis after the transfer. Through three weeks, he has thrown for 608 yards with two touchdowns, one interception, and a QBR of 69.4, according to ESPN.
According to the PFSN College QBi metric, the Memphis quarterback has a 71.6 score, ranking 91st among all eligible quarterbacks with a C- Grade through Week 3.
While his playmaking ability, including leading the American Conference in completion percentage, has kept the Tigers undefeated, the data suggests room for improvement as he adjusts to leading the offense beyond a relatively straightforward out-of-conference schedule.
Arkansas vs. Memphis Prediction: Can the Tigers Shock the SEC With Razorbacks Upset?
Now, he faces a stiff test against SEC foe Arkansas, which boasts one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the country in Taylen Green. For Lewis, the focus remains on execution. He acknowledged the challenge when asked about the Razorbacks’ defense during his recent press conference ahead of the matchup.
“They’re a good defense, good opponent. They’ve got some big guys, they’ve got some speed, and we know we’re going to have to go out there and execute on all cylinders to move the ball. They fly around and do a pretty good job,” he said.
Lewis also outlined what he and the Tigers’ offense hope to improve as the season continues.
“For me personally, and then just our goals as a quarterback and receivers, I think it’s really important to hit on some of those deep balls. We’ve been working on trying to hit a couple more of those each game. That’s been an emphasis, and I hope we can keep getting better at that throughout the season,” Lewis explained.
Arkansas is coming off a 41-35 shootout loss to a top-15-ranked Ole Miss, where they racked up 526 yards of offense. Their field general, Taylen Green, led the way with 305 passing yards, 115 rushing yards, and two total touchdowns.