College Football Playoff

New Orleans, LA – The Tulane Green Wave are headed to the College Football Playoff for the first time in school history after defeating the North Texas Mean Green 34-21 in the American Athletic Conference Championship. The victory at Yulman Stadium on Saturday night clinched the AAC title for Tulane and secured an automatic berth for the highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion under the newly expanded playoff format.

This season’s American Athletic Conference (AAC) championship game carried the ultimate prize: a ticket to the national title race. Tulane topped North Texas 34-21 in front of a raucous home crowd, capping a storybook season and punching their ticket to the College Football Playoff (CFP).

The Tulane Green Wave earned its first-ever spot in the College Football Playoff by winning the American Athletic Conference championship. (Image: Wikimedia Commons)

A Historic Night in New Orleans: Tulane Claims the AAC Crown

In a thrilling contest, Tulane (now 12-1) proved it deserved a place among college football’s elite. Playing on their home turf at Yulman Stadium, the Green Wave jumped out to an early lead and never trailed.

Tulane’s offense, led by veteran quarterback Michael Pratt, struck first with a 35-yard touchdown pass. Pratt, a four-year starter, showcased his poise by throwing for two touchdowns and rushing for another. Running back Makhi Hughes powered the ground game, rumbling for 120 yards and a touchdown to wear down the North Texas Mean Green defense.

North Texas (10-3), coached by Eric Morris, put up a valiant fight in the school’s first-ever AAC title game. Quarterback Chandler Rogers connected on a 50-yard bomb just before halftime to cut Tulane’s lead to 21-14.

However, the second half belonged to the Green Wave. Tulane’s defense made key adjustments, and a clutch fourth-quarter interception by junior cornerback Jarius Monroe set up the sealing touchdown. A late field goal secured the 34-21 victory, igniting pandemonium among the 15,000+ fans in attendance. According to the official ESPN box score, Tulane dominated time of possession and held North Texas scoreless in the final quarter.

Jon Sumrall’s Remarkable Run Continues

This championship marks another triumph for Head Coach Jon Sumrall, who has quickly built a reputation for winning. After leading Troy University to a Sun Belt Conference championship in 2022, Sumrall continued his winning ways in his debut season at Tulane.

“I’m so proud of these guys,” an emotional Sumrall said post-game. “We set out a goal to win championships and prove that Tulane belongs among the best in college football. Now, we get the chance to represent our university on the sport’s biggest stage – the College Football Playoff.”

The win was bittersweet. Days before the game, the University of Florida Gators announced Sumrall would become their next head coach. In an official press release, Florida’s athletic director lauded Sumrall as a “proven winner.” Sumrall chose to stay with Tulane through the AAC title game, determined to finish what he started, and now leaves the program on the highest of notes.

College Football Playoff Expands, Tulane Takes Advantage

Tulane’s victory has implications far beyond the AAC. The College Football Playoff, which began in 2014 as a four-team tournament, has expanded to a new 12-team format starting this season. The new rules guarantee playoff spots to the six highest-ranked conference champions, opening the door for teams outside the traditional "Power Five" conferences.

Previously, only one Group of Five team—Cincinnati in 2021—had ever reached the playoff. Tulane’s achievement builds on that legacy, providing a clear path to the championship for other deserving teams.

“This is what we envisioned when we pushed for playoff expansion,” AAC Commissioner Mike Aresco said in a statement. “The Green Wave have proven themselves on the field, and now they’ll get the opportunity to compete for a national championship.”

For decades, teams from conferences like the AAC, such as undefeated Boise State and UCF teams of the past, were often left out of the national title picture. The expansion, approved in 2022, was designed to make the postseason more inclusive.

What’s Next: The Road to the National Championship

With the win, all eyes turn to Selection Sunday, when the CFP Selection Committee will reveal the full 12-team bracket. Tulane is projected to be a lower seed, likely around No. 11 or No. 12. This sets up a first-round matchup on the road against a highly-ranked opponent from a major conference.

The winners of the first-round games will advance to the quarterfinals, which will be hosted at New Year’s Six bowl sites. For now, Tulane will celebrate an AAC title and a landmark achievement. Fans can watch highlights of the victory on ESPN as they await their playoff assignment.

As for Tulane, they become standard-bearers for every mid-major program dreaming of national glory. Their inclusion in the CFP shows that the door to the championship is no longer closed.

“We proved that Tulane belongs,” said senior quarterback Michael Pratt. “This means everything to our university, our city, and all the guys in that locker room. We’re going to show the world what the Green Wave is all about in the College Football Playoff.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the College Football Playoff (CFP)?

The College Football Playoff is the postseason tournament that determines college football’s national champion for the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). It began in 2014, replacing the Bowl Championship Series (BCS). Initially a four-team tournament, the CFP expanded to a 12-team format starting with the 2024 season to provide more teams with an opportunity to compete for the title.

How did Tulane qualify for the College Football Playoff?

Tulane earned its CFP berth by winning the American Athletic Conference championship. Under the CFP’s new 12-team format, the six highest-ranked conference champions receive automatic bids. As the champion of the AAC and the highest-ranked champion from the Group of Five conferences, Tulane secured one of these automatic spots.

Has a team from the American Athletic Conference ever made the CFP before?

Yes. Before Tulane's 2024 appearance, the Cincinnati Bearcats, also from the American Athletic Conference, made history in the 2021 season by becoming the first Group of Five team to reach the College Football Playoff under the four-team format.

Who is Tulane’s head coach Jon Sumrall, and why is he headed to the Florida Gators?

Jon Sumrall is a highly regarded college football coach who achieved rapid success at Troy University, winning a Sun Belt Conference title, before taking over at Tulane for the 2024 season. After leading Tulane to an AAC championship and a playoff berth, he was hired to become the next head coach of the Florida Gators, a major program in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Sumrall chose to remain with Tulane through the championship game before departing for his new role.

When and where will Tulane play in the College Football Playoff?

Tulane's exact opponent, seed, and game location will be announced on Selection Sunday. As one of the lower-seeded conference champions, Tulane is expected to play a first-round game on the road at the campus of a higher-seeded opponent in mid-December. A victory would advance them to a quarterfinal matchup hosted at a New Year’s Six bowl site.

What does Tulane’s success mean for other Group of Five teams?

Tulane's inclusion in the playoff is a major milestone that validates the expansion to a 12-team format. It demonstrates a clear and achievable path for teams outside the traditional Power Five conferences to compete for a national championship. This success can lead to increased visibility, revenue, and recruiting advantages for other Group of Five programs, potentially fostering greater parity across college football.