Tulane University's football program is riding a wave of momentum heading into the 2026 season, with ten players earning spots on the Athlon Sports 2026 Preseason American All-Conference Team. The selections reflect a blend of offensive firepower, defensive dominance, and special‑teams impact that defined the Green Wave's breakout year.
Preseason Honors
Redshirt sophomore running back Jamauri McClure, who ranked second on the team in rushing last season with 540 yards, joins the first‑team list. Senior defensive back Jack Tchienchou, the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 American Conference Championship Game, also receives first‑team recognition after leading the squad with 83 tackles. Redshirt senior running back and return specialist Jaylin Lucas, who amassed 55 kick returns for 1,420 yards and three touchdowns in his collegiate career, is likewise honored on the first team.
The second‑team honorees include wide receiver Anthony Brown‑Stephens, who ranked second on the team with 41 catches for 523 yards, and linebacker Chris Rodgers, who posted 80 tackles, seven stops for loss, and 2.5 sacks. Offensive lineman Reese Baker, defensive lineman Ed Smith IV, defensive back E'zaiah Shine, and defensive lineman Derrick Shepard, Jr. round out the recognitions, underscoring the depth of talent across the roster.
A Season to Remember
Tulane finished the 2025 campaign with 11 wins in 14 games, capturing the American Conference Championship and securing its second conference title in four years. The Green Wave earned a No. 18 ranking in both the Associated Press and USA Today Coaches Polls, becoming the first team from Louisiana to reach the College Football Playoff in the 12‑team format. The program also logged 13 All‑Conference selections, including the Special Teams Player of the Year, and posted a 43‑13 record over the past four seasons.
Looking Ahead
The 2026 schedule promises challenging matchups against traditional powerhouses such as Duke, Kansas State, and South Alabama, as well as non‑conference foes like Florida State, Indiana, and Rice. With a core of award‑winning players returning and a coaching staff that has proven its ability to develop talent, Tulane aims to translate its preseason accolades into a deep playoff run and potentially a national championship.
Conference Legacy
Beyond the current accolades, Tulane's resurgence reflects a broader cultural shift within the university's athletic department. The Green Wave's rise from a mid‑tier program to a nationally recognized contender has reinvigorated fan engagement in New Orleans and set a new standard for future recruiting classes. As the team prepares for its upcoming battles, the momentum built over the past season offers a compelling narrative of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.