Tulane makes history; will appear in College Football Playoff for first time

Tulane football isn’t just winning games; it’s making history. After a thrilling Dec. 5 American Athletic Conference Championship victory over the University of North Texas, theGreen Wave is headed to the College Football Playoff (CFP) for the first time ever. Across the country, Tulane alumni are celebrating a milestone the marks the culmination of a stunning turnaround for the football program many years in the making. The student section’s chants of “football school” are no longer so far-fetched.

This achievement reflects not only Tulane Football’s remarkable rise but also the growing national profile of Green Wave Athletics. From Los Angeles to New York City, alumni are proudly wearing the Olive and Blue, hosting watch parties and cheering the Green Wave into the postseason.

Tulane’s AAC Championship win on Dec. 5 positioned the Green Wave as the fourth highest-rated conference champion in this year’s CFP rankings. Alumni who packed stands throughout the fall will see the season continue with a rematch against No. 6 seed Ole Miss (11–1) on Dec. 20 in Oxford, Miss. Ole Miss won the early-season matchup in September; the playoff showdown offers a rare chance for football redemption.

Head Coach Jon Sumrall has built a formidable program, the strongest Tulane has ever been. Although he has accepted the head coaching position at the University of Florida, he will stay on the sidelines through the postseason, hoping to lead the Green Wave to a triumphant upset of Ole Miss. Even as he prepares for his next chapter, Sumrall underscored what this moment means for the Tulane community.

Looking ahead, Tulane has already begun preparing the next era of Green Wave football. Passing game coordinator Will Hall will take the reins as head coach, the university announced Dec. 8. Hall returned to campus in January 2025 after previously serving as Tulane’s offensive coordinator from 2019–20, during a particularly successful run for the Green Wave’s offense.

“I'm excited to lead this program with a deep respect for its history, its people, and the city of New Orleans,” Hall says. “Together, we'll build on our success and continue to embody the resilience, pride and excellence that make Tulane and this community so extraordinary."

For alumni, Hall taking the helm signals continuity and confidence in the program’s trajectory. His appointment also reflects the broader upward momentum sweeping the university. The Green Wave’s athletic success parallels Tulane’s continued growth in research, student achievement and campus revitalization.

Tulanians are ready to share in a moment that belongs to the entire Tulane family. The Ole Miss–Green Wave playoff game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. on Dec. 20! Alumni and fans are encouraged to join a local watch party and cheer on the Green Wave. 

As Tulanians everywhere look toward this historic game, this moment represents more than athletic achievement and is something all alumni can be proud of. “The pride of the Tulane community has always been the glue that binds us together. At a historic moment such as this, we are united not only in celebrating the successes of our student-athletes, coaches and staff, we are united in celebrating this new era of achievement for all of Tulane,” said Harris.