What Is 2024 Tulane Green Wave football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2024 Tulane Green Wave football team represents Tulane University in NCAA Division I FBS competition as a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC), with head coach Jon Sumrall leading the team in his first season after taking over from Willie Fritz in January 2024.

Key Facts

Jon Sumrall was officially named head coach of the 2024 Tulane Green Wave in January 2024, succeeding Willie Fritz
Tulane finished the 2023 season with an 11-3 record, including a Cure Bowl victory over UCF
The 2024 regular season begins on August 31 with a home game against Alcorn State
Tulane's 2024 schedule includes key AAC matchups against Army, Navy, and Memphis
The team plays its home games at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, which has a capacity of 30,000

Overview

The 2024 Tulane Green Wave football team marks a new chapter for the program under first-year head coach Jon Sumrall, who took over in January 2024 after the departure of long-time leader Willie Fritz. Competing in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS), Tulane continues its membership in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), aiming to build on recent success and maintain national relevance.

Following an 11-3 record in 2023 capped by a 34-31 win over UCF in the Cure Bowl, expectations remain high for the Green Wave. The 2024 season introduces a restructured coaching staff and renewed focus on defensive improvement, as Tulane transitions from Fritz’s offensive-minded approach to Sumrall’s balanced philosophy emphasizing discipline and physicality.

Jon Sumrall became head coach in January 2024 after serving as defensive coordinator at Troy, bringing a renewed emphasis on defensive structure and player development.
The team opens the 2024 season on August 31 with a home game against FCS opponent Alcorn State at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.
Tulane returns key players including quarterback Darian Mensah and linebacker Payton Boddie, both expected to anchor the 2024 roster.
The Green Wave’s 2023 season record was 11-3, their best since 1998, including a 6-2 mark in AAC conference play.
Yulman Stadium, with a capacity of 30,000, remains the team’s home venue and continues to support growing fan engagement and game-day atmosphere.

How It Works

The 2024 Tulane Green Wave football team operates within the NCAA’s Division I FBS structure, following conference scheduling, recruiting cycles, and bowl eligibility rules. Under new head coach Jon Sumrall, the team’s operations reflect a shift in philosophy, staffing, and strategic planning aimed at sustained competitiveness.

Head Coach Transition: Jon Sumrall was hired in January 2024 after Willie Fritz accepted the head coaching position at Utah State, ending a 10-year tenure at Tulane.
Recruiting Strategy: The 2024 signing class includes 18 new players, with a focus on Louisiana talent and junior college transfers to fill immediate needs.
Offensive Scheme: The Green Wave will continue a pro-style offense but incorporate more tempo and RPOs under new offensive coordinator Zach Kittley.
Defensive Philosophy: Sumrall, a defensive specialist, implemented a 3-4 base alignment to enhance pressure and coverage versatility in the secondary.
Schedule Format: Tulane plays an 8-game AAC conference schedule, facing teams like Army, Navy, Memphis, and UTSA in 2024.
Bowl Eligibility: The team needs at least 6 wins to become bowl-eligible, a benchmark they’ve met in four of the last five seasons.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2024 Tulane Green Wave are compared below to recent seasons and peer programs in the American Athletic Conference to contextualize performance and expectations.

Season	Overall Record	AAC Record	Head Coach	Bowl Result
2024 (Projected)	8-4 (est.)	6-2	Jon Sumrall	TBD
2023	11-3	6-2	Willie Fritz	W, Cure Bowl (34-31 vs. UCF)
2022	12-2	7-1	Willie Fritz	W, Cotton Bowl (46-45 vs. USC)
2021	6-6	3-5	Willie Fritz	L, Independence Bowl (30-19 vs. S. Miss)
2020	6-5	4-3	Willie Fritz	No bowl (COVID-affected)

This table highlights Tulane’s upward trajectory over the past four seasons, peaking with a Cotton Bowl victory in 2022. The 2024 season, while transitional, aims to maintain double-digit win potential under new leadership. The projected 8-4 record accounts for a tougher non-conference slate and coaching adjustments. Continued success depends on quarterback stability and defensive cohesion, areas under close scrutiny early in the season.

Why It Matters

The 2024 Tulane Green Wave football season carries significant implications for the program’s future, conference standing, and national perception. As the AAC undergoes realignment with schools departing for the Big 12 and SEC, Tulane’s ability to remain competitive bolsters its position as a core member.

Remaining competitive in the post-realignment AAC is crucial for Tulane’s financial and athletic stability within the conference.
A strong 2024 season could boost TV exposure and recruiting, especially with ESPN-owned networks covering most AAC games.
Success under first-year coach Jon Sumrall will determine long-term confidence in the program’s leadership.
Continued bowl eligibility maintains momentum in fan engagement, ticket sales, and alumni support for the football program.
Tulane’s performance impacts conference championship odds, as the AAC champion earns an automatic Cotton Bowl berth in the new 12-team playoff format.
Developing NFL-caliber talent, like past first-round pick Cameron Sample, enhances Tulane’s reputation on the national stage.

With a blend of experienced players, a new coaching vision, and high expectations, the 2024 Tulane Green Wave season represents both a challenge and an opportunity to solidify the program’s place among Group of Five leaders.