LSU - 7, South Carolina - 3

LSU - 6, South Carolina - 1

Tulane Green Wave The Rise of the Green Wave: Tulane Football’s Recruiting Revolution Since 2015 In the decade-plus since 2015, Tulane Green Wave football has undergone one of the most impressive transformations in Group of 5 history. Once an afterthought in national recruiting rankings, with classes often languishing outside the top 100–120 and producing just a handful of NFL draft picks per decade, the program has climbed into the upper echelon of mid-major recruiting. Today, under the dual eras of Willie Fritz (2016–2023) and Jon Sumrall (2024–present), Tulane consistently lands top-75 high school classes, dominates the transfer portal, and funnels more talent to the NFL than ever before. The result? Sustained on-field success, including conference titles, bowl victories, and even a College Football Playoff appearance. The Pre-2015 Baseline: A Program in the Shadows Before the Fritz era, Tulane recruiting was modest at best. Classes from 2015 and earlier featured mostly 2 and low 3-star prospects, with ESPN and 247Sports rankings rarely cracking the top 100 nationally. High school talent from Louisiana and the Southeast often looked elsewhere (LSU, Alabama, etc.), and the program’s on-field struggles (frequent losing seasons) made it hard to sell. NFL production was sporadic, isolated late-round picks or undrafted free agents, with very few players sticking in the league long-term. Willie Fritz Lays the Foundation (2016–2023) Willie Fritz arrived in 2016 and immediately shifted the recruiting philosophy: target high-character, high-motor 3-star developmental prospects who fit Tulane’s up-tempo, physical style. Classes steadily improved, climbing into the top 80–100 range. Fritz emphasized in-state Louisiana talent while expanding into Texas, Florida, and beyond. The payoff was dramatic on the field: 2022: 12–2 record, AAC championship, Cotton Bowl appearance. Multiple bowl wins and top-25 rankings. Recruiting mirrored this rise. By the early 2020s, Tulane was landing better 3-stars and occasional 4-stars. Stars like Tyjae Spears (RB, 3rd-round 2023 pick) and Dorian Williams (LB, 3rd-round 2023) emerged from these classes, proving Fritz’s “develop the 3-stars” mantra worked. Jon Sumrall Accelerates the Momentum (2024-2025) When Sumrall returned as head coach, he supercharged recruiting with modern NIL strategies, aggressive portal use, and a championship pedigree. The 2025 and especially 2026 classes mark a new high-water mark. 2026 Class: Currently ranked #67–72 nationally (247Sports/On3 composite) and #2 in the AAC (behind only USF). It features 19 high school commits (15+ three-stars, and one four-star) plus 21 transfers, the highest-rated class in program history by average rating per recruit. Standouts include elite IOL Tylan George (#54 nationally at position), DL Jordyn Crites, and several top Louisiana prospects. For the first time, Tulane cracked the top 60 in some rankings. This isn’t luck, it’s strategy and one of the best recruiting staffs around. Sumrall retained core pieces, dominated the portal for immediate contributors, and sold Tulane’s upward trajectory (11–3 season, AAC title, CFP berth in 2025). Local New Orleans and Louisiana recruits are staying home more often, while national talent is buying in. Measurable Results: Wins, Depth, and an NFL Pipeline The recruiting upgrade has delivered tangible results: On-Field: From 3–9 pre-Fritz to consistent 10+ win seasons, multiple AAC titles, and playoff contention. The 2025 squad went 11–3 with a CFP appearance before falling to Ole Miss. Talent Quality and Development: Shift from mostly unranked or low-3-star rosters to consistent top-75 classes with higher average ratings and more positional versatility (elite OL, DL, skill players). NFL Success: Tulane now ranks among the top 50 FBS programs in active NFL players (20 as of mid-2025). Recent draft highlights include: 2025: Caleb Ransaw (3rd round, Jaguars), Micah Robinson (7th round, Packers). 2024: Jha’Quan Jackson (6th round), Michael Pratt (7th round). 2023: Tyjae Spears (3rd round, Titans), Dorian Williams (3rd round, Bills). Earlier standouts: Darnell Mooney (5th round, Bears, still active starter), plus others like Cameron Sample. Tulane’s 2026 Pro Day featured 11 prospects, underscoring the pipeline’s strength. Ten of the 20+ active pros were mid-to-late round picks or UDFA’s who developed into contributors. NIL Revolution: Fear the Wave Collective Puts Tulane Ahead of the Curve. @FTWMediaGroup (Donate Today) https:// fearthewavecollective.com A major catalyst in Tulane’s recruiting surge has been its pioneering approach to Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and no entity has been more instrumental than the Fear the Wave (FTW) Collective. Launched in late 2021/early 2022 by passionate Tulane alumni and fans (including Michael Arata, Jimmy Ordeneaux, and Kelly Comarda), FTW was one of the very first proactive NIL collectives at the Group of 5 level. @K_Comarda @jko68 @MichaelArata While many Power 4 programs were still scrambling to understand the new rules, Tulane’s fan-driven collective hit the ground running with a humble initial goal of just $10,000 in Year 1. They quickly evolved into a powerhouse: signing NIL deals with the entire 2022-23 football roster (plus men’s and women’s basketball), creating creative content like the Jimmy O Show podcast (where athletes earned appearance fees), and delivering real financial opportunities through community partnerships, local endorsements, and media activations. FTW’s early-mover advantage was huge. It helped retain stars like quarterback Michael Pratt with custom NIL packages during the transfer portal window and gave Tulane a legitimate selling point when competing against bigger programs for high school recruits and transfers. Fundraising exploded with on-field success: After the 2025 AAC title and playoff run, the collective raised over $1.1 million in donations in a matter of weeks, nearly doubling its previous annual totals and projections showed continued growth into 2026. By 2025, Tulane took the next leap. Athletics Director David Harris announced that the university’s Green Wave Club would assume direct control of NIL and revenue-sharing fundraising starting July 1, 2025, backed by major gifts, including a transformative $3.5 million donation from Don and Lora Peters to launch the Green Wave Talent Fund. This in-house fund supports expanded NIL opportunities, facilities upgrades, and direct compensation, positioning Tulane ahead of many programs still reliant on fragmented third-party collectives. Fear the Wave didn’t disappear, it evolved into a key media and content partner, continuing select NIL deals through subscriptions while producing behind-the-scenes content and fan experiences. The combination of early collective innovation plus institutional backing created a seamless, competitive NIL ecosystem that few mid-majors (and even some Power programs) could match. Why It Matters and What’s Next: Tulane’s recruiting evolution proves that smart coaching, strong recruiting staff, culture, development, and portal savvy can overcome traditional Power 4 disadvantages. Fritz built the foundation of belief; Sumrall added speed and star power. The program now attracts better high school talent while excelling at player development, turning three-stars into NFL contributors at a historic rate. As the 2026 class (already the best in school history) enrolls the Green Wave is poised for sustained contention. For fans in New Orleans and beyond, it’s no longer “what if” it’s “watch us.” The Wave is rolling higher than ever and watch out, the 2027 class is going to make a big splash! Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X @RollDatWave #RollWave

For just the third time in Louisiana baseball’s 124-year history, a jersey number has been retired and put up on the centerfield wall at M.L. ‘Tigue’ Moore Field (Russo Park). A pregame ceremony was held earlier today by Louisiana Athletics prior to the start of their series against Georgia State to commemorate Jonathan Lucroy, former catcher who had a tremendous and record-breaking career for the Cajuns. Lucroy spent all three seasons (2005-2007) of his collegiate career playing for the Cajuns. In his freshman year, he was one of three catchers, the other two being seniors. However, his talent eventually helped promote him to the designated hitter position late in the season. He started for the Cajuns his 2006 and 2007 seasons as catcher before being drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the third round of the 2007 MLB Draft. 

New Orleans Saints UDFA  THE Ohio State Buckeyes Tywone Malone Jr 6-4/305 DT Scouting Report: He brings good size, length, power, and improved consistency from a late-blooming college career at Ohio State (after transferring from Ole Miss). At 23 years old, he is a developmental depth piece with starter-level traits in the run game but limited proven pass-rush production. Run Defense & Point of Attack: Plays with outstanding leverage/pad level inside or outside. Strong hands, long arms, and core strength to stack-and-shed, move linemen laterally, and hold the point. Excellent feel for working off blocks, countering, and locating the ball. Quick reactor with balance and backside pursuit speed. Power & Bull Rush: Wins with speed-to-power, leg drive, and violent hands. Can push blockers back and disrupt gaps as a bull rusher. Athletic Upside & Versatility: Impressive burst for size; can threaten the edge occasionally. Shows quickness in drills (reinforced at pro day). Fits multiple fronts; has experience on edge and inside. Intangibles: Late-career surge via dedication/film work and consistency; praised by Ohio State coaches (Ryan Day) for coming into his own. Two-time college national champion (football + baseball). Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #WhoDat #GoBucks

Tulane Green Wave Recruiting Class of 2022 Commits, Transfers, and De-Commits: A lot of Star Power on this list, including Gabe Jacas who just got drafted. 2022 Commits: Kameron Hamilton (DL) – New Orleans Saints (UDFA/camp invite) Chris Brazzell II (WR) – Carolina Panthers (NFL) Blake Gunter (TE) – Retired from football (Tulane University, non-player) Taylor Love (LB) – Tennessee Tech Maxie Baudoin IV (DL) – Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns Jalen Rogers (WR) – Florida A&M Kentrell Webb (S) – Houston Makhi Hughes (RB) – Houston (via Oregon) Rayshawn Pleasant (ATH/CB) – Auburn Isaiah Boyd (DL) – UAlbany Alex Bauman (Edge/TE) – Miami (FL) Carson Haggard (QB) – Abilene Christian / transfer portal Keanon McNally (OT) – Cal Poly Gerrod Henderson (DL) – Tulane Cadien Robinson (CB) – Transfer portal (last at Tulane 2023) Sully Burns (OT) – Texas State Shadre Hurst (OT) – Houston Transfers Transfered In: Lucas Dunker Jr. (K) – ? Prince Pines (OT) – NFL draft eligible 2024 * Kanan Ray (IOL) – Tulane OL coach Lummie Young (S) – ? Jarius Monroe (S) – Free Agent Deajaun McDougle (WR) – ? Patrick Jenkins (DL) – Columbus Aviators (UFL) Shaadie Clayton-Johnson (RB) – UDFA Lawrence Keys III (WR) – Houston Roughnecks (UFL) / Buffalo Bills org Decommitted Tulane in 2022: Avery Sledge (Edge) – Southern Miss CJ Donaldson (TE) – New Orleans Saints (NFL) Now plays RB at Ohio State for a year. Jackson Long (TE) – Georgia Southern Jacob Holmes (DL) – Virginia Gabe Jacas (Edge) – New England Patriots (NFL) Jaylin Lucas (ATH) – Tulane Ahmaad Moses (S) – SMU Tyler Siddons (TE) – Wyoming Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave

The New Orleans Pelicans are on the hunt for a new head coach—explore top candidates, potential strategies, and what this pivotal decision means for the franchise’s future.