Tulane Green Wave fans have plenty to celebrate this cycle and previous. According to the latest 247Sports composite rankings, the Green Wave have landed the two highest-rated recruits in program history for the Class of 2026, and they’re not just any two prospects. Tylan George, the massive interior offensive lineman from West Monroe High School in Louisiana, sits at No. 1 with a 0.8939 rating. The 6’3”, 310-pound 4-star prospect has been a dominant force on the offensive line, earning praise for his pancake block totals and elite strength (515-pound squat, 315 bench as a junior). George brings immediate size, power, and local pride to an offensive line room that’s hungry for impact talent. Right behind him at No. 2 is Jordyn Crites, the 6’6”, 255-260 pound defensive lineman from Friendswood High School in Texas. Crites recently earned his 4-star upgrade and a 0.8926 composite, making him one of the most athletic and long defensive linemen in the class (83-inch wingspan, 4.8 forty, 530-pound squat). He played both defensive end and tight end in high school and brings versatility, length, and upside that fits perfectly in Will Hall’s defensive scheme. Together, George and Crites represent a seismic shift in Tulane recruiting. Not only are they the top two in the 2026 class, but their ratings mark a new ceiling for what the Green Wave can attract. One bolsters the trenches on offense with mauling power; the other adds length and explosiveness on defense. Both have potential to contribute early and raise the floor (and ceiling) for their respective position groups. This isn’t just a good class, it’s a statement. Tulane is no longer just competing for regional talent; they’re landing blue-chip prospects who have Power conference offers and are choosing to build something special in New Orleans. The Green Wave are trending up, and these two are the new faces of that ascent. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X

Steve Garcia (+120) vs Diego Lopes (-155): To kick-off UFC Freedom 250, we have an action-packed clash of two top 10 ranked featherweights with devastating knockout power. The underdog Steve Garcia comes into this matchup riding a seven fight winning streak with six coming via knockout. This tilt with the second ranked Diego Lopes I believe will be his toughest test thus far. Lopes comes into this matchup losing 2 of 3, however context here matters. Both of Lopes’ losses during that time span are at the hands of reigning champion Alexander Volkanovski. His win was an impressive destruction over highly touted contender Jean Silva. In this matchup in particular, I believe Lopes has edges in speed, durability, grappling and deserves to be the rightful favorite. What Lopes lacks in technical ability and footwork, he closes the skill gap with his potent finishing ability and granite chin. While Garcia certainly has the more technical skills of the two combatants, I do worry about his durability against a fast starter here in Lopes. Diego Lopes has plenty of experience being in the limelight…Steve Garcia does not. I believe Lopes rises to the occasion once again and gets the early finish. The Pick: Diego Lopes ML (-155) Best Bet: Diego Lopes - Inside the Distance (+120) Bo Nickal (-340) vs Kyle Daukaus (+250): The second matchup of the night features two middleweights trying to break into the contenders circle at 185 pounds. The large favorite in this matchup, Bo Nickal, decided to pursue MMA after a decorated collegiate wrestling career at Penn State. I believe it is a fair criticism to say that he has certainly underperformed expectations up til this point in his MMA career. His wrestling game hasn’t exactly translated as well as most believed and his striking mechanics are somewhat of a mess. On the other hand, we have Kyle Daukaus. He returns for his second stint in the UFC after an underwhelming first run. Daukaus is a relatively well rounded fighter possessing decent skills on the feet and on the ground. I have questions about where both men really are entering this fight as Nickal has largely underwhelmed and I have trouble really buying Daukaus’ “mini-run” since returning to the UFC. For the sake of a pick, I’ll side with Nickal. However, I don’t see any value in his price tag. I would say if you must bet a side, then Daukaus is your man. I believe the overs are the strongest way to play this fight as I don’t really rate either guy as a high-level finisher. The Pick: Bo Nickal ML (-350) Best Bet: Fight Goes The Distance (+170) Mauricio Ruffy (-750) vs Michael Chandler (+460): In a battle of ranked lightweights, we have two men at vastly different stages of their career as indicated by the betting line here. I will make this short. Michael Chandler is more interested in being a showman these days than fighting to any sort of intelligent gameplan. You then combine that with shoddy durability and you have the potential recipe for an absolute disaster. I simply do not see any way the younger, faster, and more dynamic Ruffy here blows this one. The problem is, the prices for anything Ruffy-related are much too chalky for my taste. I will predict a Ruffy first round knockout here as I believe the speed and array of attacks will overwhelm the older, slower Chandler sooner rather than later. The Pick: Mauricio Ruffy via KO/TKO (-210) Best Bet: Under 1.5 Rounds (-115) Josh Hokit (-440) vs Derrick Lewis (+310): In our first heavyweight contest of the night, we have two all-action fighters looking for quick finishes. UFC newcomer, Josh Hokit has quickly risen to fame mostly by way of his bizarre “schtick” but to his credit, his latest performance versus a top contender in Curtis Blaydes was certainly a fan friendly affair. Hokit blends an aggressive in your face style that no one has been able to solve yet in his young MMA career. On the other hand, we have longtime UFC veteran Derrick Lewis. As Lewis nears the tail end of his career, he only really brings one thing to the table and that is very early knockout finishes. If Hokit tries to showboat a little too much here, it could cost him. However, I am not predicting it will. At least not yet. Hokit has a lot going for him in this matchup such as youth, athleticism, grappling upside, and a relentless pace. Combine all of those things and I feel Lewis becomes a sinking ship quickly. Hokit is the likely victor here, but when you add in the caveat that he may give Lewis a chance (no matter how fleeting it may be) to hit his win condition - I would rather not lay -440 on a guy who has a few wild card tendencies. The Pick: Josh Hokit ML (-440) Best Bet: Josh Hokit via KO/TKO (+125) Aiemann Zahabi (+320) vs Sean O’Malley (-440): Here we have a battle between two bantamweight contenders. The large betting underdog in this matchup is the surging Canadian, Aiemann Zahabi. While Zahabi may be riding a seven fight win streak, I just can’t buy it. The people he has beaten have little to no meaning in this bettor's eyes. Absolutely none of them will prepare him for the speed and creative variety O’Malley will bring into the octagon with him Sunday night. These two men could fight ten times and I would not predict Zahabi to get his hand raised a single time. O’Malley seems tailor made to exploit all of Zahabi’s shortcomings such as age, durability, lack of grappling, physicality, or finishing ability. This one is simple to me. O’Malley shines bright here. Sean O’Malley returns to form and earns a knockout victory. I can’t ignore the obvious advantages in speed, creativity, and punching power. The Pick: Sean O’Malley ML (-440) Best Bet: Sean O’Malley via KO/TKO (+210) Alex Pereira (-110) vs Ciryl Gane (-110): In our first of two title fights, we have the Interim Heavyweight Championship on the line. This matchup features fan-favorite Alex Pereira making his heavyweight debut and long-time division mainstay Ciryl Gane. The betting line may indicate a true coin flip, but that is where I will disagree. I simply do not understand how one can make this fight a true pick-em when every facet you can think of is in Gane’s favor minus punching power. I really believe this is one of the best, if not the best value spot on the card. Pereira’s path to victory is likely an early knockout and outside of that happening, I struggle to see him show he is the better man over the course of a potential 25 minute affair. Not to mention a perceived strong grappling edge plus Gane is a super mobile and agile athlete. I do not think it will be a walk in the park for Pereira to find him while they are striking. We have never seen “Poatan” at heavyweight in his entire career and then you pair that with this body transformation happening at 38 going on 39 years of age - I just don’t love it for his chances. All of this points me to one side at the current price range and that is Ciryl Gane. I believe Gane has more tools in his toolbox and more avenues to a victory. I do find it interesting and also a bit telling that when Bet Online opened their odds for this potential matchup back in February, they had Ciryl Gane listed as the (-190) betting favorite. What has changed since then? To me? Nothing. Pereira will no doubt be one of the most popular bets for this Sunday’s card, just not for this bettor. The Pick: Ciryl Gane ML (-110) Best Bet: Ciryl Gane ML (-110) Justin Gaethje (+370) vs Ilia Topuria (-550): The main event of the evening is a clash of champion and challenger for the Lightweight Championship of the world. Two-Division Champion Ilia Topuria looks to improve his MMA record to a shiny 18-0, while UFC veteran Justin Gaethje looks to do the unthinkable and pull off a massive upset victory. This fight here is simple. Ilia Topuria is just simply better at every facet of MMA than Justin Gaethje ever was. Full stop. The edges here in skill and intangibles are large. Topuria will get the job done, it is just a matter of figuring out how he will do so. I believe that Topuria will finish this fight rather quickly and rather easily. There is not a ton here to suggest that Gaethje can realistically last for more than a round or two in my eyes. I will keep this one simple; Ilia Topuria via Round 1 knockout. The Pick: Ilia Topuria via Round 1 KO/TKO (+250) Best Bet: Under 1.5 Rounds (-110) I hope that you all enjoy this truly historic sporting event on Sunday evening and I wish you all the best of luck with your bets! #GreauxTheDeaux Make sure to follow Rudy G Bets on X

The heat was on at Yulman Stadium June 10, but it wasn’t just the Louisiana sun cooking the field. Tulane’s football camp brought serious energy, serious competition, and serious results. While prospects from across Louisiana and beyond battled through position drills, 1-on-1s, and team periods under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Will Hall and his staff, three standout young men did more than just show up, they dominated and walked away with scholarship offers from the Green Wave. This camp continues Tulane’s aggressive push on the recruiting trail. The staff is clearly evaluating for the 2028, 2029, and even 2030 classes with an eye for physicality, explosiveness, and scheme fit in both Will Hall’s offense and the defensive front. The Recruits: 1. Blair “Big Red” Lewis – Class of 2029 | OT | Jeanerette High School (LA) | 6’6”, 300+ lbs @BlairLewis2029 This massive offensive tackle has been turning heads all spring and summer, and yesterday he continued his ascent. Lewis used his enormous frame, powerful hands, and improving footwork to control the line of scrimmage in blocking drills and 1-on-1 pass pro. Coaches saw a mauler with natural leverage and the kind of size that projects well inside a physical, gap-scheme or zone-blocking system. After a strong camp performance and a conversation with OL coach Cody Kennedy, Lewis earned his Tulane offer. He already holds offers from LSU, USC, and Memphis, making him one of the top 2029 offensive line prospects in the state. “Big Red” isn’t just big, he’s moving with purpose and earning every bit of the hype. 2. Trilon Francis – Class of 2028 | TE/DE (Hybrid) | Lafayette Renaissance Charter Academy (LRCA) | 6’3”, 230 lbs @FTrilon Francis showed why versatile, high-motor athletes are always in demand. Whether lined up at tight end or on the edge, he brought explosiveness off the ball, strong hands, and the kind of length that disrupts in the run game and pass rush. His athleticism pops, especially in change-of-direction drills and when asked to drop or expand in space. After a great camp showing and direct conversation with the defensive staff (Coach McDaniel), Francis picked up his third Division I offer. The Lafayette-area product continues to climb the Louisiana 2028 boards with his combination of size, speed, and positional flexibility. 3. Lipton Zachary Mckenzie – Class of 2029 | RB/ATH | Cardinal Gibbons High School (FL) | 5’9”, 165 lbs @lipton_mckenzie Sometimes the smaller, shiftier backs steal the show at camp, and Mckenzie did exactly that. With elite burst, vision, and elusiveness, he made defenders miss in space. He can contribute as a change-of-pace back, returner, or slot weapon. His low center of gravity and acceleration stand out. Tulane saw a playmaker who can create on his own and add speed to the backfield. The offer came through the staff’s evaluation, and Mckenzie now adds Tulane to his growing list (including prior interest from programs like Samford). The Bottom Line: 7 total Offers Tulane’s camp circuit is paying off. These three prospects represent exactly what the Green Wave are looking for, size and power up front, versatile athletes who can play multiple roles, and explosive playmakers who can change games. The momentum under Will Hall and this staff is real, and the 2027–2030 classes are shaping up nicely with in-state and regional talent buying in. More camps are on the way (including June 17), and the staff will keep evaluating. #RollWave #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X

LAST WEEK WAS A STATEMENT: Tulane Green Wave Recruiting Just Went Nuclear, Camp Fire plus 10 Commitments in One Day! Signals 2027 Takeover Last week the Tulane Green Wave didn’t just recruit, they declared war on the rest of the American Conference and anyone sleeping on Will Hall’s vision. From a loaded summer camp at Yulman Stadium that produced four scholarship offers (and one lightning-fast commitment) to an unprecedented 10 commitments in a single day fueled by official visits, the momentum is undeniable. The 2027 class is stacking up fast, in-state pride is surging, and the Green Wave are turning heads from the River Parishes to the Mississippi hills and beyond. The Camp That Lit the Fuse: June 3 at Yulman Stadium Dozens of hungry prospects rolled into New Orleans for Tulane’s key summer camp session (part of the June 7/10/17 series). Position-specific drills, one-on-ones, and 7-on-7s under Head Coach Will Hall and staff. The vibe and videos were electric, real coaching, real competition, real exposure. Four prospects stood out above the rest and earned scholarship offers from Tulane: • Shaun Phillips @phillips1shaun (Class of 2029, OL, The Dunham School – Houma area) 6’5”, 285 lbs. The massive tackle with rare length and power moved bodies in the run game and showed surprising agility in pass pro. First collegiate offer. High-upside developmental piece with All-Conference ceiling. • James Tyson @Jetyson28 (Class of 2027, DB, St. Charles Catholic – LaPlace, LA) 6’0”, 180 lbs athletic build. Fluid hips, ball skills, physicality in run support, and the ability to win 1-on-1s consistently. Turned heads all day and left with an offer on the spot. • Jayden Taylor @the_jtaylor72 (Class of 2028, OL, St. Augustine HS – New Orleans) 6’4”, 255 lbs. Physical “bully” left tackle who dominated the trenches with heavy hands, strong base, and leadership. Proven camp performer who brings nastiness and versatility (tackle or inside). • Jaden Turner @jaden_1of1 Class of 2029 DB John Curtis New Orleans, LA 6’0”, 165 lbs (High-character, physical player who rounded out a strong group of trench and defensive standouts.) The payoff came quick. Just days later, camp standout James Tyson committed to the Green Wave! The rising River Parishes DB chose Tulane over Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech, Nicholls, Cornell, and others. He’s already locked in an official visit for June 18. Local kid. Camp-to-commit pipeline working perfectly. Starter upside in a secondary that values length, athleticism, and versatility. Friday Explosion: 10 Commitments in ONE DAY The staff didn’t let the momentum cool. On Friday, Tulane secured a massive 10 commitments in a single day, one of the biggest single-day hauls in recent program history. Many tied directly to official visits over the weekend. Prospects saw the vision, felt the culture, and pulled the trigger. The haul added serious talent and depth across positions, with a strong mix of in-state gems and regional athletes who fit Will Hall’s up-tempo, physical identity: Key names in the surge include: • Local star Ray’Quan Williams (WR, St. Augustine HS, New Orleans) New Orleans product bolstering the receiving room. @supermanray3 • Kavarris “Duke” Duncan (DL, Winterboro HS, AL) @KavarrisDuncan • Teddy Graff (TE, Ensworth HS, Nashville, TN) @teddy_graff • Peyton Perkins (ATH, Eupora, MS) @PPerkins_12 • Anquan Jackson (WR, South Jones HS, Ellisville, MS) @anquan_jackson5 • Jackson Shaw (OT, Baton Rouge Catholic, LA) @JacksonShaw40 • And the camp-to-commit pipeline delivering again with James Tyson (DB) Plus several more athletic, high-motor pieces rounding out what’s shaping into a well-balanced, high-upside group. Director of Scouting Colton Leggett summed it up perfectly: “Make it commits in one day. Just recruit good players. #RollWave #PA2TYUP7OWN ” This wasn’t luck. It’s targeted in-state work, smart regional recruiting, relationship building, and a coaching staff that’s earning trust with prospects and families. Louisiana kids staying home or choosing the Wave. Mississippi and Alabama talent seeing the bigger picture. Developmental upside everywhere. The Big Picture, Momentum Is Real Last week proved it: Tulane is building something special. The 2027 class is no longer just “growing” it’s exploding with the right kind of players who fit the culture, the scheme, and the vision of sustained success in the American Conference. In-state dominance + regional hauls + camp-to-commit efficiency = a recipe that’s working. Yulman Stadium is about to get louder. The trenches are getting nastier. The secondary is getting more athletic. The skill positions are gaining weapons. Will Hall and staff are hitting their stride. The future is loading. More Pats Deep Dive Recruiting breakdowns, player profiles, and updates dropping soon. The Green Wave are rising. #RollWave #RMFW Stay locked @beinthekneaux for the latest. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X

The Tulane Green Wave football program turned heads on Friday with a massive recruiting surge, landing 10 commitments in a single day. The haul represents one of the strongest single-day performances in recent memory for the program and signals growing momentum for the 2027 recruiting class under head coach Will Hall. Director of Scouting Colton Leggett captured the excitement perfectly, posting: “Make it commits in one day. Just recruit good players. #RollWave #PA2TYUP7OWN ” The Green Wave staff is hitting its stride in identifying and closing on talent that fits the program’s culture and up-tempo, physical identity. While full details on the newest members of the class are still rolling in, the volume of commitments speaks volumes about Tulane’s rising profile. The Green Wave have steadily built their 2027 group through targeted in-state and regional recruiting, smart use of the transfer portal, and a coaching staff that’s earning trust with prospects and their families. More details on the commitments coming soon! #RMFW Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X

The Saints entering the offseason had a glaring need of adding more to the wide receiver room. They are entering the final contract year of Chris Olave in a wide receiver market only getting more expensive by the day. The Saints are aware of this and given the injury history of Olave made the smart, cost controlled moves of adding wide receivers through the draft. Jordyn Tyson the Saints first round pick will play a pivotal role in turning the wide receiver room into a strength after finishing last season with having no viable depth behind Olave. Tyson should serve as the perfect complement to Olave as a big body vertical threat who in actuality can really do anything for the Saints. Tyson will be able to free up Olave from one, not being the only credible receiving threat every down, but two, allow Olave to run routes or concepts which play to his strengths instead of having to shoulder the passing game all on his own. So with two de facto number one receivers on the roster the role players will be able to play their best ball in a role where they don’t have to try and overachieve because of a lack of talent and or diversity in the receiver room. What a year for DeVaughn Vele, getting traded to a new team and having no real impact on the team until opportunity finally came knocking. He answered the call and although in a small sample size clearly demonstrated he can contribute as a big body, possession type of receiver in the offense. Before the showing there was much disappointment after trading a fourth round pick for an older player still on a rookie contract. But all good things take time which could be a good slogan for this young wide receiver room if they get off to a slow start. Behind the trio of Olave, Tyson, and Vele is the young, unproven depth of the room. This group has a little bit of everything. From your roster cuts, late round trades, to day three picks in the draft. This group consists of Bryce Lance, Ja’Lynn Polk, Bub Means, Trey Palmer, Barion Brown, Mason Tipton, Kevin Austin Jr, Ronnie Bell, Damien Alford, Brock Rechsteiner. The big takeaway from this group is the question marks some players have as they look to return from injuries, who can separate themselves by how they preform on limited snaps on offense and who can produce the best on special teams. When we get to the final cut down day to get the 53 man roster it will be interesting to see who the coaching staff decided on of this group. One thing will be certain by then, this group will be much improved from last season. Make sure to follow Kaden Arkeder on X

Yesterday, June 3, 2026, the Tulane Green Wave hosted one of their key summer Football Camps (June 7, 10, 17) at the Indoor Facility and Yulman Stadium in New Orleans. Dozens of high school prospects from Louisiana and surrounding areas participated in position-specific drills, one-on-one competitions, and 7-on-7 sessions led by Head Coach Will Hall and the Green Wave coaching staff. The camp environment looked electric, with prospects getting valuable exposure to college-level coaching and facilities. Several players stood out, but four prospects in particular left a strong impression and were extended scholarship offers from Tulane. Here’s a closer look at the four players who earned offers. 1. Shaun Phillips | Class of 2029 | OL | The Dunham School (Houma, LA area) @phillips1shaun 6’5”, 285 lbs The massive offensive tackle earned his first collegiate scholarship offer from Tulane. A former Houma Christian standout now at The Dunham School, Phillips turned heads with his rare size-length combination for a Class of 2029 prospect. • Size & Power: Ideal OT frame with long arms and natural power; he engulfs defenders and creates movement in the run game. • Movement Skills: Surprisingly light on his feet with good balance and agility for his size in pass-pro and pull drills. • Hand Technique & Leverage: Showed strong hand placement and the ability to sustain blocks, traits that translate well to college. • Projection & Fit: High-upside developmental tackle with All-Conference potential. Fits perfectly in Tulane’s modern spread offense that demands athletic, long offensive linemen who can handle both zone and power concepts. 2. James Tyson | Class of 2027 | DB | St. Charles Catholic HS (LaPlace, LA) @Jetyson28 6’0”, 180 lbs athletic build An emerging prospect in Louisiana’s talented 2027 class, Tyson flashed the coverage skills and physicality that college defensive backs need. Competed well throughout the day and earned a scholarship offer. • Coverage & Athleticism: Fluid hips, good transition ability, and the speed to stay on top of routes in man or zone. • Ball Skills & Instincts: Showed natural hands and ability to make plays on the football in 7-on-7 and individual drills. • Physicality & Run Support: Willing tackler who contributes in the box and on the perimeter, not just a coverage specialist. • Projection & Fit: Versatile DB who can play corner, nickel, or develop into a safety role. Tulane’s secondary values length, athleticism, and multi-positional flexibility; Tyson checks those boxes and has starter upside. 3. Jayden Taylor | Class of 2028 | OL | St. Augustine HS (New Orleans, LA) @the_jtaylor72 6’4”, 255 lbs The St. Augustine Purple Knights left tackle brought his physical “bully” style to camp and dominated in the trenches. A proven camp performer, Taylor earned a scholarship offer from the Green Wave. • Power & Run Blocking: Strong base, heavy hands, and the ability to move defenders off the ball, a true mauler in the run game. • Pass Protection: Good feet and punch timing; held up well against camp competition in one-on-ones. • Leadership & Character: High-character player and leader on the field, the exact profile Tulane targets in the trenches. • Projection & Fit: Versatile offensive lineman who can stay at tackle or slide inside. Adds size, strength, and nastiness. 4. Jaden Turner | Class of 2029 | DB | John Curtis | New Orleans, LA 6’0”, 165 lbs @jaden_1of1 A young defensive back who flashed significant upside throughout camp drills and earned a scholarship offer from Tulane. • Athletic Tools & Range: Excellent change of direction, burst, and range in coverage and pursuit, traits that stand out for a Class of 2029 prospect. • Ball Production & Playmaking: Natural hands and instincts; made several plays on the ball in 7-on-7 sessions. • Tackling & Physicality: Good form and finishing ability in run support despite his age and frame. • Projection & Fit: High-ceiling developmental DB with room to grow physically and technically. Tulane’s defensive backfield is building depth with speed and playmakers; Turner has the traits to and potentially develop into a long-term contributor. These four offers highlight Tulane’s aggressive and smart approach to regional recruiting, identifying high-upside Louisiana talent early and building relationships through camps and evaluations. With the Green Wave coming off strong seasons and looking to sustain success in the American Conference, adding physical, athletic, and high-character prospects like Shaun Phillips, James Tyson, Jayden Taylor, and Jaden Turner strengthens both the present and future of the program. Tulane has additional camp dates coming up (June 7, 10, and 17). Expect more offers and evaluations as the staff continues to build the 2027–2030 classes. Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X #RollWave #RMFW