A historic achievement as the Green Wave secures their second consecutive AAC title and sets sights on an expanded College Football Playoff berth.
A Season for the Ages: The 2025 AAC Championship Triumph
The Tulane Green Wave football team has achieved a historic milestone by winning the 2025 American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship. This marks their second consecutive AAC title, secured with a decisive 34-21 victory over North Texas. This achievement positions the Green Wave as a strong contender for a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff (CFP). The team competes in NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and is recognized as a rising power among Group of Five programs.
The 2025 season saw the Tulane Green Wave finish with an 11-2 overall record and a 7-1 record in conference play, under the leadership of head coach Jon Sumrall. Their only regular-season losses were to No. 13 Ole Miss and UTSA. The American Conference Championship Game was played on December 5, 2025, against No. 24 North Texas, resulting in a 34-21 win for Tulane. This victory mirrors their 2022 AAC Championship success and raises the possibility of their first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. This victory ignited a vibrant championship celebration on the field and among fans.
Individual Brilliance
Record-Breaking Performances
- ★ Patrick Durkin (Kicker): Named 2025 AAC Special Teams Player of the Year. Set new school records for single-season field goals (25) and points by a kicker (112).
- ★ Jake Retzlaff (Quarterback): Transfer player who set a new school record for rushing touchdowns by a Tulane quarterback with 16 for the season, ranking third all-time in school history for rushing touchdowns. Also ranked sixth all-time at Tulane in single-season passing yards with 2,862.
Coaching Carousel: Sumrall’s Departure and Baker’s Arrival
Head Coach Jon Sumrall, the former Tulane head coach, who led the Green Wave to a 19-7 record over two seasons and the 2025 AAC title, departed to become the head coach at the University of Florida. He is expected to coach Tulane’s postseason games before transitioning to Florida in 2026.
Tulane University announced the hiring of Blake Baker as the new Tulane head coach on December 5, 2025. Baker is a Tulane alumnus (played linebacker 2000-2004) and previously served as the defensive coordinator for LSU.
The Green Wave’s Enduring Legacy: A Rich History of Triumph
Tulane Green Wave football has a rich history dating back to 1893, with numerous achievements:
- Conference Championships: 11 conference championships across five conferences, including three SEC titles (more than nine current SEC members) and recent AAC titles in 2022 and 2025.
- Undefeated Seasons: 1900, 1925, 1929, and a perfect 12-0 season in 1998 under coach Tommy Bowden, which included a Conference USA title and a No. 7 national ranking.
- Bowl Games: 17 official bowl game appearances with a record of 7-10. Notable victories include the 1935 Sugar Bowl, the 1998 Liberty Bowl, and the 2023 Cotton Bowl Classic against USC.
The program has demonstrated resilience, overcoming challenges such as nearly dropping the program in 2003 and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The Green Wave’s story is replete with vintage football triumphs and historic runs, a testament to enduring spirit.
Home Field Advantage: Yulman Stadium’s Modern Era
Yulman Stadium, located in Uptown New Orleans, opened on September 6, 2014, with a capacity of 30,000 seats. It marked a significant return to campus for Tulane football after 39 seasons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Yulman Stadium stands as a premier college football stadium, symbolizing renewed campus engagement.
The stadium features premium seating (Westfeldt Terrace, Jill H. and Avram A. Glazer Family Club) and Benson Field. Recent upgrades (2024-2025) include new state-of-the-art LED lighting and the Uptown Terrace premium seating area, fostering a vibrant gameday experience with live jazz and an Athletes Plaza.
Key Players & Roster: The Core of the Wave
The 2025 championship roster featured a blend of veterans and transfers, forming a formidable lineup:
- Quarterback: Jake Retzlaff (Sr., transfer from BYU) – a critical dual-threat offensive weapon.
- Running Back: Arnold “Duda” Barnes III (Jr.) and Maurice Turner (Sr., transfer from Louisville).
- Offensive Line: Derrick Graham (Sr., OT) and Shadre Hurst (Sr., OG) – First-Team All-Conference honorees, recognized nationally for minimizing sacks.
- Defense: Santana Hopper (Jr., DE) from App State (boosted pass rush), Sam Howard (Sr., LB), and Bailey Despanie (Sr., S) – Second-Team All-AAC selection, anchored the secondary.
- Special Teams: Patrick Durkin (Kicker) – AAC Special Teams Player of the Year.
Building for Tomorrow: Tulane’s Recruiting Momentum
The 2026 recruiting class is projected to be one of the strongest among Group of Five programs. As of July 2025, Tulane has secured 18 total commits, including one four-star and sixteen three-star prospects, pushing their national ranking into the top 70.
Relentless coaching efforts, a strong program family atmosphere, and the challenge of high-level competition are key attraction factors. This aggressive college football recruiting strategy is key to attracting top future talent. The 32 wins in the last three years and the 2025 AAC championship have generated significant buzz, attracting highly-rated targets.
Storied Rivalries
- LSU: The oldest and most significant rivalry, dating back to 1893.
- Southern Miss: The “Battle for the Bell” rivalry, an annual tradition from 1979 to 2006, with future games scheduled.
Conclusion: A New Era Dawns
The Tulane Green Wave football program is at a pivotal moment, celebrating the 2025 AAC championship and aiming for a CFP berth. The transition from Jon Sumrall to alumnus Blake Baker signals a new era, built on ambition and resilience. With standout players like Jake Retzlaff and Patrick Durkin, the home advantage of Yulman Stadium, and strong recruiting for Group of Five programs, the Green Wave is forging a new destiny in NCAA Division I FBS football.
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