I think there is a valid argument here. However, I’d also argue that we’ve seen many crappy power-5 teams have some good years and then fall off the map when their coach bails. Memphis hasn’t done that. It is also worth noting that Norvell was not at Memphis for Fuente’s success, so the coaching coninuity argument (like Whittingham continuing Meyer) isn’t the same.
Norvell has also continued to recruit well, and I heard, but haven’t researched it, that he pulled in Memphis’ top or at least one of the top 5, Memphis football classes of all time. He also took over with a new QB, which is always iffy.
I’m not saying he’s top 2, but I’d take his offense with Florida recruits (probably the difference with UCF right now). I’d definitely take him over Strong, Campbell, and Mullen.