After losing 20 players to the transfer portal following former head coach Jon Sumrall’s departure to the University of Florida, new head coach Will Hall faced a major challenge. Hall and his staff brought in more than 20 new players through the transfer portal to fill holes left by departing starters.

“We’ve got guys that have played and have that experience and have proven to have the talent to win,” Hall said in a recent interview.

Hall added quarterback Zeon Chriss-Gremillion from the University of Houston to compete for the starting job. The redshirt junior threw for 1,222 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions in 2023 while playing at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

The running back position received the biggest upgrade with the addition of Jaylin Lucas from Florida State University. Lucas, a dynamic half back with running and catching ability, rushed 27 times for 160 yards in 2025 at Florida State and totaled four touchdowns over his college career. He also caught 64 passes for 456 yards and two scores.

Although Lucas has made his name for being an excellent kick returner. Across four seasons, he returned 54 kickoffs for 1,420 yards with three touchdowns during his career. 

Tulane also added running back Johnnie Daniels from Mississippi State University. The 5-foot-10-inch back rushed for 540 yards in 2024. After sitting out the final nine games of the 2025 season, he will join the Green Wave for his last year of eligibility. 

The wide receiver room needed help after losing Shazz Preston and Omari Hayes. Tulane added Destyn Hill from Louisiana State University. Hill is a four-star recruit from New Orleans who was ranked the No. 19 best receiver in the nation out of high school. 

On defense, Tulane added edge rusher Jordan McAllister from the University of New Hampshire. The 6-foot-3-inch, 231-pound freshman recorded 34 total tackles, including 20 solo tackles, 4.5 sacks and three forced fumbles, while earning all-conference honors.

The Green Wave also signed defensive lineman Ed Smith from the University of South Alabama. The 6-foot-3-inch, 296-pound lineman had 32 total tackles — 13 solo tackles, half a sack and 3.5 tackles for loss — in his final year at South Alabama.

Former Ohio State University kicker Jackson Courville committed to the Green Wave on Jan. 12. Over the course of his career, Courville went 26 of 34 on field goals before transferring to Ohio State.

The transfer portal has reshaped college football. Rosters turn over faster than ever. Hall embraced the challenge and delivered, landing players from major conferences and overlooked talent from smaller programs. His haul sends a message: Tulane remains a destination for players who want to win, regardless of who coaches them.