Dickson Agu, a linebacker for Tulane, has been named to the 2026 College Football Comeback Player of the Year Preseason Watch List, a recognition that celebrates student‑athletes who have overcome injury, illness, or other significant obstacles since 2018.
Agu’s 2025 campaign began with five starts in which he logged 36 tackles, two tackles for loss, a pass breakup and a forced fumble before a season‑ending injury halted his progress. His inclusion on the watch list reflects not only his statistical contributions but also the narrative of perseverance that the award seeks to highlight.
Tulane’s Turnaround
The Green Wave capped the 2025 season with an 11‑3 record, securing the program’s second American Conference Championship in four years and earning its first-ever playoff berth as the fourth‑highest ranked conference champion. Tulane finished the year ranked No. 18 in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Polls, marking a historic milestone for the school.
The Comeback Player of the Year award is voted on by Associated Press College Football writers and sports information directors, and the winner will be presented on the field during the VRBO Fiesta Bowl in Glendale, Arizona, on December 30, 2026. Agu’s potential victory would add a symbolic layer to a season that also featured victories over Power 5 opponents — the first such wins for Tulane since 1988.
Beyond the individual accolade, Agu’s story embodies the broader theme of resilience that has defined Tulane’s recent triumphs. His recovery, coupled with the team’s historic achievements, illustrates how personal and collective comebacks can intersect to shape a memorable chapter in college football history.