Transfer Portal Spotlight: Gavin Marks

Patrick Harkness • August 4, 2026

C


Gavin Marks- Mercer



Gavin Marks fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 305-pound elite pass-protecting center with FCS Freshman All-American pedigree, zero sacks allowed as a true freshman starter, high football IQ/vocal leadership (calls protections), physical run-blocking toughness, and exceptional leverage/athleticism who immediately anchors a revamped interior offensive line needing reliability and competition. 



He’s a sophomore transfer from Mercer (FCS/Southern Conference) who committed on January 3, 2026, via the portal (entered December 10, 2025). A product of Rolesville HS in Wendell, NC (near Raleigh), he has three years of eligibility remaining (#60).



Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit:

Tulane’s offensive line (under head coach Will Hall and OL coach Cody Kennedy) prioritizes smart, physical interior players who excel in pass protection, sustain run blocks, and provide leadership in a pro-style/spread hybrid system (I know I’m repeating myself). 


Marks is a perfect scheme match as a Tulane center.


•  Pass-pro dominance and leverage:

 He uses his frame for superior leverage and quickness, self-described as “real athletic” with the ability to win with technique over raw size. Zero sacks allowed and just 8 pressures across 634 snaps (including strong pass-blocking reps) as a true freshman highlight his elite protection skills.


•  Run-game physicality and intangibles: 

Physical finisher who dominates at the point of attack; high football IQ as a vocal leader who calls protections. Anchored one of the most productive FCS offensive lines while protecting freshman QB Braeden Atkinson (Jerry Rice Award winner).


•  Developmental upside: Kennedy’s track record developing centers (two drafted in recent cycles) was a huge draw, Marks specifically noted the staff’s ability to elevate players to the next level.


#RollWave


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Tulane football player in green jersey and black headband, facing forward with neutral expression

Class of 2026 Spotlight: Chan Lumpkin

By Patrick Harkness • August 4, 2026
LB 
Chan Lumpkin 6-4/220 Butler, GA 
Chandarin “Chan” Lumpkin is a versatile linebacker prospect from the Class of 2026, known for his athleticism and multi-positional capabilities. 
He played primarily as a middle linebacker (MLB) and wide receiver (WR) during his high school career, but projects best as an outside linebacker with coverage ability or could be a bandit at the collegiate level. 
Lumpkin signed with Tulane University on December 3, 2025, after committing on June 24, 2025, choosing the Green Wave over offers from programs like Memphis, East Carolina, Rice, South Florida, Appalachian State, and others. 
He hails from Taylor County High School in Butler, Georgia (with earlier time at Rockdale County High School in Conyers, Georgia), where he also competed in basketball.  
Scouting Report: 
Versatility and Position Flexibility: Excelled at both linebacker and wide receiver in high school, with potential to play strong safety in college due to his coverage skills. Described as a “do-it-all defensive player” who can line up anywhere in the secondary or at edge. 
Coverage Skills: Excels in open space, with the ability to cover receivers on the perimeter. Good feet, hips, and instincts allow him to drop into coverage effectively, break on the ball, and play tight man coverage. Has good hands for interceptions. 
Tackling and Physicality: A punishing hitter who “knows how to hit and can lay the boom.” Strong tackler who supports the run well, delivers big hits to ball carriers, and isn’t afraid to come up and lay a hit. Effective at setting the edge against the run as an edge prospect. 
Instincts and Football IQ: Smart player with excellent read-and-react ability. Good instincts help him diagnose plays quickly, cause turnovers (forced fumbles and interceptions), and make plays on the ball. Tracks the ball well in the air and has hops to high-point it. 
Athleticism: Plays fast and aggressive, with good speed for his size. Versatile enough to contribute in the run-stopping game and create chaos. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
Tulane University football commitment graphic featuring Jordan McAllister on a stadium field in green and white

Transfer Portal Spotlight:
Jordan McAllister

By Patrick Harkness • August 4, 2026
Bandit 
Jordan McAllister - UNH 
Bandit Jordan McAllister fits Tulane as a 6’3”, 239-pound twitchy, high-motor EDGE rusher with elite FCS production as a TFL/sack/forced-fumble machine, explosive bend, and speed-to-power versatility who immediately slots into the open Bandit (rush end/hybrid EDGE) role in Tulane’s 3-3-5 tite defense while adding instant pressure and competition to a revamped front. 
He’s a redshirt junior transfer from New Hampshire (FCS/CAA) who committed on January 11, 2026, via the portal. A product of Seton Hall Prep in South Orange/West Orange, NJ, he has two years of eligibility remaining (#15). 
Athletic Profile and Scheme Fit: Tulane’s defense (under the current staff and new DC Taylor Polk) runs a 3-3-5 tite defense where the Bandit is the stand-up rush end/hybrid EDGE who creates havoc with speed off the edge, bend around tackles, and violent hands in the run game. McAllister is a natural plug-and-play fit. 
• Explosiveness and pass-rush traits: Twitchy first-step quickness, bend, and speed-to-power combo that produced consistent pressures and sacks at the FCS level, exactly the profile needed to replace departed Bandits like Harvey Dyson (transferred to NC State) and Mo Westmoreland (graduated). 
• Disruptiveness and motor: High-effort finisher who piles up TFLs, forced fumbles, and quarterback hits; already flashing in spring scrimmages with strip sacks and big plays as the Bandit. 
• Versatility and intangibles: Can play stand-up or hand-down; brings P4-level interest (chose Tulane over Missouri, Wisconsin, and Illinois) and proven production against quality competition. Tulane targeted FCS standouts like him to inject immediate edge juice into the trenches. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
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