After a promising first year under head coach Jon Sumrall — capped by an appearance in the American Athletic Conference championship game and a bowl trip against the University of Florida Gators — Tulane heads into 2025 with momentum. A strong offseason brought in players from the transfer portal, generated preseason buzz and set the stage for what could mark the beginning of a new era of Green Wave football.

Key departures prompted the influx of new players. Quarterback Darian Mensah, one of ESPN’s top transfer quarterbacks, transferred to Duke University Blue Devils, receiving $4 million in name, image and likeness.

Running back Makhi Hughes left for the University of Oregon Ducks after two standout years in Uptown, rushing for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns. 

Sumrall responded by turning to the portal: Former University of Louisville Cardinals running back Maurice Turner brings versatility to the backfield, and University of Texas at El Paso Miners edge rusher Mo Westmoreland arrives with proven pass-rush success, racking up 15 sacks over two seasons.

Tulane also landed ex-Brigham Young University Cougars starter Jake Retzlaff. He joined in July, following a seven-game suspension that BYU had planned to enforce for an honor-code violation, which was dismissed June 30. Retzlaff denied the allegations and was never charged.

Even with the roster turnover at some very key positions, the Green Wave is still expected to be one of the top teams in the AAC. Tulane received 23 votes in the AP Top 25, behind only No. 25 Boise State University. Tulane is the highest-ranked non-Power Four squad.

Looking ahead at some of the most notable games this season:

Week one will set the tone. Tulane opens against the Northwestern University Wildcats on Aug. 30 at Yulman Stadium — the first opportunity to see the new Tulane roster in action, and get a chance to see how Sumrall is choosing to play his team.

Two weeks later, Duke visits on Sept. 13. The matchup is fascinating because it doubles as a reunion with former Tulane quarterback Darian Mensah. It will be interesting to see how the Tulane fans respond to his return.

Tulane travels to Oxford on Sept. 20 to face the University of Mississippi Rebels in a non-conference test. The Rebels finished last season ranked inside the top 15, making it one of the toughest games on the Green Wave’s schedule. 

The Army Black Knights return to Uptown on Oct. 18 for a rematch of the AAC Championship game. The Black Knights handed the Wave a loss in last year’s American title matchup, so this is a redemption game for Tulane.

There’s urgency, but there’s also been proof of concept. Sumrall shepherded a nine-win debut and has leaned into roster competition. “None of them were guaranteed a starting anything,” Sumrall said in an interview with WDSU News. 

With a reworked lineup, this schedule offers statement-making opportunities. Tulane has the pieces to contend again — starting with Northwestern on Saturday at 11 a.m.