Memphis football is officially the preseason favorite in the American Athletic Conference, but coach Ryan Silverfield said at AAC media days on Tuesday he isn't paying too much attention to the preseason poll.

"Those expectations are there, and I appreciate the media thinking highly of us. But that means absolutely nothing," Silverfield said on ESPN's kickoff show. "That media poll, it's great, I appreciate that. That falls on guys like Justin Fuente, Mike Norvell, the people before me that put this program on a national stage the great teams prior. But we are our own identity in 2024. We've got a lot of work to do."

Memphis was picked to win the conference for the first time. It wasn't a surprise, as the Tigers have gotten preseason buzz as a potential College Football Playoff team. The winner of the AAC is likely to be in the mix for the expanded 12-team playoff, which will feature a guaranteed spot for a team from the Group of Five.

Silverfield has addressed the growing expectations for his program with similar comments throughout the offseason. The Tigers finished fourth in the conference in 2023, then beat Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl.

It's been a potentially transformational offseason. Silverfield's contract was extended, FedEx pledged $25 million over five years for NIL deals with Tigers athletes and the university broke ground on a $220 million renovation project at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

Memphis will bring back most of its key players from 2023. That includes the program's all-time leading passer in Seth Henigan and first-team All-AAC linebacker Chandler Martin, both of whom joined Silverfield at the AAC kickoff event in Arlington, Texas.

Silverfield, who is entering his fifth year as Memphis' coach, reiterated during his press conference that there's still plenty of work to be done. The Tigers will start fall practice next week ahead of the season opener against North Alabama on Aug. 31.

"We're grateful," Silverfield said. "But that doesn't mean a damn thing. Personally, as a head coach, I haven't accomplished anything I want to in this conference. I've got a lot of work to do."

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

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Ryan Silverfield reacts to Memphis football being picked to win AAC