The Rise of the Green Wave: Tulane Football’s Recruiting Revolution Since 2015
Tulane Green Wave
The Rise of the Green Wave: Tulane Football’s Recruiting Revolution Since 2015
In the decade-plus since 2015, Tulane Green Wave football has undergone one of the most impressive transformations in Group of 5 history. Once an afterthought in national recruiting rankings, with classes often languishing outside the top 100–120 and producing just a handful of NFL draft picks per decade, the program has climbed into the upper echelon of mid-major recruiting.
Today, under the dual eras of Willie Fritz (2016–2023) and Jon Sumrall (2024–present), Tulane consistently lands top-75 high school classes, dominates the transfer portal, and funnels more talent to the NFL than ever before.
The result?
Sustained on-field success, including conference titles, bowl victories, and even a College Football Playoff appearance.
The Pre-2015 Baseline:
A Program in the Shadows
Before the Fritz era, Tulane recruiting was modest at best. Classes from 2015 and earlier featured mostly 2 and low 3-star prospects, with ESPN and 247Sports rankings rarely cracking the top 100 nationally.
High school talent from Louisiana and the Southeast often looked elsewhere (LSU, Alabama, etc.), and the program’s on-field struggles (frequent losing seasons) made it hard to sell.
NFL production was sporadic, isolated late-round picks or undrafted free agents, with very few players sticking in the league long-term.
Willie Fritz Lays the Foundation (2016–2023)
Willie Fritz arrived in 2016 and immediately shifted the recruiting philosophy: target high-character, high-motor 3-star developmental prospects who fit Tulane’s up-tempo, physical style.
Classes steadily improved, climbing into the top 80–100 range. Fritz emphasized in-state Louisiana talent while expanding into Texas, Florida, and beyond.
The payoff was dramatic on the field:
2022: 12–2 record, AAC championship, Cotton Bowl appearance.
Multiple bowl wins and top-25 rankings.
Recruiting mirrored this rise. By the early 2020s, Tulane was landing better 3-stars and occasional 4-stars. Stars like Tyjae Spears (RB, 3rd-round 2023 pick) and Dorian Williams (LB, 3rd-round 2023) emerged from these classes, proving Fritz’s “develop the 3-stars” mantra worked.
Jon Sumrall Accelerates the Momentum (2024-2025)
When Sumrall returned as head coach, he supercharged recruiting with modern NIL strategies, aggressive portal use, and a championship pedigree. The 2025 and especially 2026 classes mark a new high-water mark.
2026 Class:
Currently ranked #67–72 nationally (247Sports/On3 composite) and #2 in the AAC (behind only USF). It features 19 high school commits (15+ three-stars, and one four-star) plus 21 transfers, the highest-rated class in program history by average rating per recruit.
Standouts include elite IOL Tylan George (#54 nationally at position), DL Jordyn Crites, and several top Louisiana prospects.
For the first time, Tulane cracked the top 60 in some rankings.
This isn’t luck, it’s strategy and one of the best recruiting staffs around.
Sumrall retained core pieces, dominated the portal for immediate contributors, and sold Tulane’s upward trajectory (11–3 season, AAC title, CFP berth in 2025).
Local New Orleans and Louisiana recruits are staying home more often, while national talent is buying in.
Measurable Results:
Wins, Depth, and an NFL Pipeline
The recruiting upgrade has delivered tangible results:
On-Field:
From 3–9 pre-Fritz to consistent 10+ win seasons, multiple AAC titles, and playoff contention. The 2025 squad went 11–3 with a CFP appearance before falling to Ole Miss.
Talent Quality and Development:
Shift from mostly unranked or low-3-star rosters to consistent top-75 classes with higher average ratings and more positional versatility (elite OL, DL, skill players).
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