It's finally time to start talking about football.

Memphis' offseason has been monumental — the athletic department broke ground on a $220 million renovation to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, coach Ryan Silverfield signed a contract extension and FedEx announced a landmark NIL deal that will pay Tigers athletes $25 million over five years.

There also has been plenty of positive news regarding the roster. It started before the 2023 season was over when quarterback Seth Henigan, receiver Roc Taylor, linebacker Chandler Martin and other key contributors chose to return. Then the Tigers picked up multiple projected starters in the transfer portal, including South Carolina's leading rusher in Mario Anderson and Tennessee's leading tackler in Elijah Herring.

It all sets up the most anticipated Memphis football season in program history. This is the first time the Tigers have a legitimate shot at the highest level of college football's postseason because the expanded College Football Playoff will have a guaranteed spot for a team from the Group of Five. Memphis is among the favorites to land that spot.

With the start of preseason practices just a day away, here are three things to watch before the season opener on Aug. 31 against North Alabama.

How does Memphis handle playoff expectations?

Playoff expansion came at the right time for the Tigers, who are set up to have their best team since Silverfield took over at the end of 2019. It means the Group of Five will get more interest from the broader college football world, and Memphis has regularly been touted among the top contenders for the playoff.

Silverfield has been consistent throughout the offseason, saying the Tigers are focused on North Alabama and repeatedly pointing out that they haven't accomplished anything yet. The stated goal is to win the American Athletic Conference title, with playoff selection obviously out of the team's control.

But how will the players react to the outside noise? It'll likely get louder throughout August, as more preseason predictions come and and more fans start to engage with the Tigers and learn more about their new roster.

Who wins defensive position battles?

The Tigers' defense will be a key talking point before the season starts. They were dominant on offense in 2023, but there's plenty more room for improvement on the other side of the ball.

The strength will be in the middle, with Martin and Herring expected to play major roles. But there are pecking orders to figure out up front and in the secondary, two units that need to be better in 2024.

Up front, Cormontae Hamilton and William Whitlow bring experience on the edges, while Indiana transfer Patrick Lucas Jr. likely will play a key role on the interior. But anyone else who has a strong camp could earn playing time.

Senior Greg Rubin will anchor the defensive backfield, while Samford transfer Kourtlan Marsh is another name to watch at safety. The cornerback rotation will look significantly different, with Davion Ross back from injury and pushing for a spot alongside returners DJ Bell and Julian Barnett. Indiana transfer Kobee Minor is likely to play, too.

How does the offensive line come together?

The gauge of an offensive line's success is usually this: How much did fans and media members talk about it during the season?

It wasn't a major storyline in 2023, and that's a good thing. But Memphis will almost certainly have a new starter at every position on the line this season, and that's something to focus on before Aug. 31.

Silverfield has touted this room's depth. Xavier Hill is a likely starter at guard. Also in the mix are Marshall transfer Trent Holler and redshirt freshman Malachi Breland. Last year's starting left guard, Jonah Gambill, took reps at center in the spring and could be the replacement for Jacob Likes.

Tackle will look completely different. South Carolina transfer Jaylen Nichols was still recovering from a knee injury during spring practice, and Old Dominion transfer Chris Adams joined after that. Louisiana Monroe transfer Keydrell Lewis is a likely starter at right tackle.

Reach sports writer Jonah Dylan at jonah.dylan@commercialappeal.com or on X @thejonahdylan.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football starts preseason practices with expectations, CFP hopes