Crowds flooded the student entrance checkpoint at Yulman Stadium, pressing forward to see new quarterback Jake Retzlaff take the field in his third game of the season. Former Tulane University quarterback Darian Mensah returned to his old stadium after transferring to Duke University at the end of 2024. 

Energy was high as students migrated from bars, parties and pregames to attend the game. 

Eager students shoved barricades in an attempt to breach the security line before the game. Around 7:30 p.m., security guards began handing out general admission tickets to ensure remaining students could make it into the game as spectators left. 

The student section was packed with students donning green and blue Tulane paraphernalia. 

After Tulane beat Duke 34-27, students stormed the field, celebrating the Green Wave victory with players and staff.