The Green Wave are entering the 2026 campaign with a clear shift in priorities. Rather than pouring the bulk of their NIL budget into the defensive line, as they did in previous years, the coaching staff is now earmarking more funds for the secondary, aiming to plug the gaps that were exposed during the College Football Playoff run.
Last season the pass rush generated moments of brilliance, especially in the American Conference championship win over the North Texas Mean Green. However, the secondary struggled to contain the Ole Miss Rebels, whose aerial attack exposed a thin coverage scheme and contributed to an early exit from the playoff.
Anchoring the secondary
To address those vulnerabilities, Tulane is retaining free safety Jack Tchienchou, whose experience and leadership are expected to provide stability in the backfield. Complementing him will be cornerback E’zaiah Shine, who returns with a full year of starting experience under his belt.
The roster also welcomes several experienced additions. Among them is Kajuan Banks, a veteran who will compete for a starting spot in the secondary, and Kevin Adams, who backed up Bailey Despanie last season and is now poised to share the field with Tchienchou.
Head coach Will Hall and his staff have made coverage the centerpiece of their game plan. Their emphasis on disciplined positioning and communication reflects a broader strategy to balance the aggressive pass rush with a secondary capable of holding its own against elite SEC offenses.
The move comes amid a competitive landscape that includes rivals such as the LSU Tigers, Texas Tech Red Raiders, North Texas Mean Green, Ole Miss Rebels and USF Bulls, all of whom are also refining their own roster strategies for the upcoming season.