Head Coach: Tulane’s program changed a lot with Willie Fritz’s leadership, but with him leaving they are now in the hands of Jon Sumrall. You can read more on his profile and coach hire grade here: https://updogsportstalk.com/2024/05/02/college-football-coach-hire-grades-tulane/
Program Outlook: Tulane’s program hasn’t been in this great of shape since their SEC days. The Green Wave won the Cotton Bowl in 2022 and nearly returned to the NY6 last year. There’s high expectations now and under the new playoff system they could make regular appearances in the playoff.
How does the 2024 Roster look?: Tulane has a few departures with a lot of upperclassmen leaving and some portal departures but the cupboard is far from bare. The Green Wave’s defense will once again lead the way, it was one of the top defenses in the nation last year and they have an excellent front returning led by Patrick Jenkins. The offense will be led by stud RB Makhi Hughes, but QB is uncertain. Kai Horton who filled in admirably for Michael Pratt last year returns but they also bring in a very intriguing transfer in former 5-star recruit Ty Thompson from Oregon. Thompson has been trapped behind Bo Nix so there’s potential there. There’s some intriguing transfer options to help at receiver too, but offensive line is going to be critical, that unit was Tulane’s downfall at the end of last year.
Screenshot from fbschedules.com1
2024 Schedule Thoughts: Tulane’s non-conference schedule is no joke. They play at Oklahoma, host one of the Big 12 favorites in Kansas State and even the game at Louisiana won’t be easy. Tulane avoids UTSA but generally gets a tough draw for the AAC schedule. It’s going to be challenging but this schedule is full of opportunities for the Green Wave too.
Vegas Projection: Tulane’s win total is set at 7.5 with the odds geared toward the over. It seems to be a reflection of the tougher schedule, but definitely some regression seems expected.
2024 Best Case: Tulane gets the right pieces in place and the Green Wave are ready to keep the momentum going. They capture headlines when their defense hassles Kansas State’s offense all game in a resounding victory, and they nearly follow it up by beating Oklahoma but Oklahoma escapes late in the game. The Green Wave rolls through the conference schedule and wins the AAC championship for a playoff birth and thanks to impressive performances they get to host LSU in their first round game. They find big plays against LSU’s defense and hassle their offense on their way to a huge in-state win. Tulane’s season comes to an end against Georgia the next week but it’s still a landmark season.
2024 Worst Case: Tulane went through too many changes this offseason and they’re forced into a reset. They barely get past SE Louisiana in the opener, and then are beaten soundly by Kansas State/Oklahoma. It gets worse for Tulane when they don’t recover and lose to Louisiana. The South Florida conference opener doesn’t help matters and they lose that one for a rough 1-4 start. It never gets better throughout the season and the Green Wave stumble to 4-8.
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