Tulane University’s football program is riding a wave of preseason acclaim, with nine of its players earning spots on Phil Steele’s 2026 Preseason American All-Conference Team.
Preseason Honors and a Historic Run
Among the honorees, senior linebacker Chris Rodgers, senior defensive back Jack Tchienchou and senior defensive back/return specialist TJ Smith were placed on the first team, underscoring the depth of talent returning from a historic 2025 campaign.
The Green Wave capped the previous season at 14‑2, captured the American Conference Championship and secured the program’s first-ever berth in the College Football Playoff, finishing the year ranked No. 18 in the AP and Coaches polls.
Looking ahead, Tulane’s 2026 slate features marquee matchups against Duke in Durham, a road test at Kansas State, and a showdown with Army, while also scheduling games against South Alabama, Rice and North Texas.
Beyond the individual accolades, the team amassed 13 All-Conference selections, including the Special Teams Player of the Year, and posted a 43‑13 record over the past four seasons, positioning the program as a consistent contender in the national landscape.