AP Top 25 Poll

#23 Tulane Green Wave

2023

Overall Record

11-2

Last Game

vs SMU L 14-26

Conference Record

8-0

Next Game

@Virginia Tech 12/27/2023

Troy head coach Jon Sumrall looks on against Army during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in West Point, N.Y. Tulane has decided to fill its coaching vacancy with Troy's Jon Sumrall, who like his predecessor has posted consecutive seasons with more than 10 wins. Sumrall is replacing Willie Fritz, who left Tulane after eight seasons to take over at Houston. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Tulane welcomes Jon Sumrall, an ex-Green Wave assistant, ‘back home’ as head coach

Newly hired Tulane coach Jon Sumrall says it feels “surreal” to be back in New Orleans and with the Green Wave after a decade away.

Troy head coach Jon Sumrall looks on against Army during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023, in West Point, N.Y. Tulane has decided to fill its coaching vacancy with Troy's Jon Sumrall, who like his predecessor has posted consecutive seasons with more than 10 wins. Sumrall is replacing Willie Fritz, who left Tulane after eight seasons to take over at Houston. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger, File)

Tulane selects Troy’s Jon Sumrall as its next coach

Tulane head coach Willie Fritz walks on the sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game against UTSA in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Fritz takes over at Houston, giving the 63-year-old his 1st Power 5 coaching job

Virginia Tech running back Bhayshul Tuten (33) is tackled by Virginia safety Jonas Sanker, center back, during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in Charlottesville, Va. (AP Photo/Mike Caudill)

No. 23 Tulane meets Virginia Tech for the 1st time since 1989 in the Military Bowl

Tulane head coach Willie Fritz watches from the sideline during the first half of the American Athletic Conference Championship NCAA college football game against SMU, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Houston hires Tulane coach Willie Fritz to replace the fired Dana Holgorsen

Alabama celebrates after the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game against Georgia in Atlanta, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

No. 8 Alabama ends 29-game win streak for No. 1 Georgia, winning SEC title game 27-24

ATLANTA (AP) — Alabama is again the top dog in the Southeastern Conference — and perhaps headed to the College Football Playoff — after ending Georgia’s 29-game winning streak with a 27-24 victory over the No. 1 Bulldogs in the SEC championship game Saturday.

SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings (7) passes during the first half of the American Athletic Conference Championship NCAA college football game against Tulane, Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Jennings, dominant defense carry No. 25 SMU to AAC title, 26-14 over Tulane

Kevin Jennings threw a touchdown pass and accounted for 266 yards from scrimmage in his first career start, Collin Rogers kicked four second-half field goals and No. 25 SMU beat No. 17 Tulane 26-14 on Saturday in the American Athletic Conference championship game.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) passes in the first half of an NCAA college football game against UTSA in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

No. 17 Tulane, No. 25 SMU meet in AAC title battle rife with subplots

No. 17 Tulane and No. 25 SMU have yet to lose a game in the American Athletic Conference this season.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) celebrates his touchdown pass in the second half of an NCAA college football game against UTSA in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Tulane won 29-16. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

No. 17 Tulane, No. 25 SMU bring unblemished league marks into AAC title tilt

No. 17 Tulane is trying to win back-to-back conference titles for the first time in nearly a century when it hosts No. 25 SMU in the American Athletic Conference championship game.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) celebrates his touchdown pass in the second half of an NCAA college football game against UTSA in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. Tulane won 29-16. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Tulane QB Michael Pratt named AAC offensive player of the year and Willie Fritz repeats as top coach

Tulane four-year starting quarterback Michael Pratt has been named offensive player of the year in the American Athletic Conference, and the Green Wave’s Willie Fritz has been named the top coach for the second consecutive season.

Liberty running back Quinton Cooley (20) celebrates after scoring a touchdown ahead of UTEP safety Kobe Hylton (2) during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023, in El Paso, Texas. (AP Photo/Andres Leighton)

Liberty finishes 1st perfect regular season in program’s 50 years with 42-28 win over UTEP

No. 22 Liberty completed the first undefeated regular season in the program’s 50-year history, with Quinton Cooley rushing for three touchdowns in a 42-28 victory over UTEP.

Tulane running back Makhi Hughes (21) carries past UTSA linebackers Martavius French (10) and Avery Morris on a 58-yard run in the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

No. 18 Tulane beats UTSA 29-16, will host second straight AAC title game

Makhi Hughes rushed for a career-high 166 yards and a touchdown, Tulane’s defense produced five turnovers and a fourth-down stop on its own 10, and the No. 18 Green Wave defeated UTSA 29-16 on Friday.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) hands off the ball to Tulane running back Makhi Hughes (21) during the second half an NCAA football game against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Boca Raton, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

No. 18 Tulane, UTSA aim to set aside distractions with title game berth at stake

No. 18 Tulane and UTSA aim to set aside distractions and focus on a match-up that will send the winner on to the American Athletic Conference championship game.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) hands off the ball to Tulane running back Makhi Hughes (21) during the second half an NCAA football game against Florida Atlantic on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Boca Raton, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

No. 18 Tulane and UTSA brace for high-stakes clash

No. 18 Tulane and surging UTSA bring unblemished American Athletic Conference records into their high-stakes meeting this week.

Tulane taps Northern Iowa AD David Harris to take over Green Wave athletics

Northern Iowa Athletic Director David Harris has been hired to take over Tulane’s athletic department. Tulane president Michael A. Fitts announced the hiring on Tuesday.

Tulane tight end Chris Carter (11) celebrates with quarterback Michael Pratt (7) after scoring a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA football game against Florida Atlantic, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023 in Boca Raton, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Michael Pratt throws for 3 touchdowns to lead No. 17 Tulane past Florida Atlantic 24-8

Michael Pratt threw for three touchdowns in his South Florida homecoming to lead No. 17 Tulane to a 24-8 victory over Florida Atlantic.

Tulane head coach Willie Fritz, second left, celebrates a touchdown thrown by Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Tulsa in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

No. 17 Tulane tries to get its 10th win, while FAU looks to win home finale

No. 17 Tulane plays at Florida Atlantic on Saturday. Tulane can keep what seems like the inside track on another New Year’s Six berth — the Green Wave won the Cotton Bowl last year — and remain no worse than tied atop the American with a win.

Tulane running back Makhi Hughes (21) scores a touchdown against Tulsa linebacker Julien Simon (24) during the first half an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthew Hinton)

Makhi Hughes’ 131 yards and touchdown help No. 20 Tulane hold on against Tulsa, 24-22

Makhi Hughes rushed for 131 yards and a touchdown, Shedro Louis returned a kickoff 100 yards for a score and No. 20 Tulane defeated Tulsa 24-22 to win its eighth straight game.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt gestures near the end of an NCAA college football game against Rice, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

No. 20 Tulane seeks its 8th straight win when it hosts desperate Tulsa

Living dangerously has become a habit lately for 20th-ranked Tulane. The Green Wave’s last three victories have come by 12 points combined despite being double-digit favorites in each game.

Tulane's Michael Pratt (7) hands the ball off to Makhi Hughes, left, during an NCAA college football game against East Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, in Greenville N.C. (Scott Davis/News & Record via AP)

Tulsa is No. 20 Tulane’s next obstacle to an AAC title defense and major bowl bid

No. 20 Tulane will try to stay on track for a second straight American Athletic Conference title and major New Year’s Day bowl game when the Green Wave host struggling Tulsa.

Pratt, Keys, defense help No. 21 Tulane grind past East Carolina 13-10 in AAC

Michael Pratt threw a short touchdown pass to Lawrence Keys III while No. 21 Tulane’s defense turned in a smothering effort to help the Green Wave beat East Carolina 13-10 on Saturday.

Tulane tight end Alex Bauman, left, celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Michael Pratt, center, and tight end Reggie Brown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rice, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

No. 21 Tulane aims for a smooth outcome in AAC trip to East Carolina

No. 21 Tulane is unbeaten in the American Athletic Conference and owns a spot in the first College Football Playoff rankings.

Tulane running back Makhi Hughes, right, rushes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rice, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

No. 21 Tulane visits East Carolina looking to stay unbeaten in AAC race

No. 21 Tulane visits East Carolina on Saturday. The Green Wave’s 4-0 record in American Athletic Conference play puts Tulane in a three-way tie for the league lead.

Tulane tight end Alex Bauman, left, celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Michael Pratt, center, and tight end Reggie Brown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rice, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)

Michael Pratt, Makhi Hughes power No. 22 Tulane past Rice 30-28 for 6th straight win

Michael Pratt threw for 263 yards and accounted for three touchdowns as No. 22 Tulane held on to defeat Rice 30-28 Saturday for its sixth straight win.

Tulane head coach Willie Fritz watches from the sideline during the first half of an NCAA college football game against North Texas in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

No. 22 Tulane looks for its sixth straight win in a visit to Rice

No. 22 Tulane is atop the American Athletic Conference standings, but the Green Wave is tied with SMU and UTSA, who are also 3-0.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) celebrates with wide receiver Lawrence Keys III (6) after a touchdown against North Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

No. 22 Tulane looks to extend winning streak to six games in visit to Rice

After a close win over North Texas, No. 22 Tulane gets another test Saturday at Rice. The road to another American Athletic Conference championship and New Year’s Six bowl doesn’t get any easier for the Green Wave.

Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt (7) throws against North Texas during the first half of an NCAA college football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)

Michael Pratt accounts for 4 TDs as No. 23 Tulane tops North Texas 35-28 after losing big lead

Michael Pratt passed for three touchdowns and scrambled 19 yards for a go-ahead score with 2:34 to go, and No. 23 Tulane staved off a frantic North Texas comeback bid to defeat the Mean Green 35-28 .

Tulane's Makhi Hughes (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown against Memphis during an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal via AP)

No. 23 Tulane hosts ‘explosive’ North Texas as Fritz makes Green Wave history

Tulane coach Willie Fritz is about to make Green Wave history regardless of whether his team wins or loses this weekend.

Tulane's Makhi Hughes (21) runs the ball in for a touchdown against Memphis during an NCAA college football game Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal via AP)

No. 23 Tulane rides 4-game winning streak into clash with North Texas

No. 23 Tulane has won four straight heading into its homecoming contest against North Texas. Tulane this week became ranked in the AP Top 25 for the second time this season and the first time since its only loss of the season to Ole Miss on Sept. 9.

Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield looks up at the scoreboard during the team's NCAA college football game against Tulane on Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, in Memphis, Tenn. (Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal via AP)

Brown sparks Tulane rally in 31-21 victory over Memphis

Wide receiver Yulkeith Brown scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 9-yard run five seconds into the fourth quarter and Tulane rallied for a 31-21 victory over Memphis.

University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce introduces new UW Athletic Director Troy Dannen during a news conference, Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 in Seattle. (Ken Lambert/The Seattle Times via AP)

Troy Dannen jumps at rare opportunity to take over as athletic director at Washington

Troy Dannen was happy in New Orleans. The athletic program he took over at Tulane in 2015 was thriving, especially a football program still basking in what was accomplished last season.

FILE - In this March 29, 2016, file photo, Tulane athletic director Troy Dannen speaks during a news conference in New Orleans. Washington is working to finalize the hire of Tulane athletic director Troy Dannen to fill its vacant AD position, a person with direct knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because details of a deal were still being worked out. An official announcement was planned for Monday. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)

Washington hires Tulane athletic director Troy Dannen to replace Jen Cohen, who left for USC

Washington has announced it’s hiring Tulane athletic director Troy Dannen to fill its vacant AD position.

Pratt throws 2 TD passes, Hughes runs for 2 and Tulane defeats UAB 35-23

Michael Pratt threw two touchdowns in the second half, the second with 47 seconds left, and Tulane beat UAB 36-23 in an American Athletic Conference opener.

Pratt throws for Tulane touchdown record, defense has four interceptions in 36-7 rout of Nicholls

Michael Pratt threw for 190 yards and two touchdowns, the Tulane defense came up with four interceptions, and the Green Wave defeated Nicholls 36-7.

Kai Horton accounts for 3 TDs as Tulane cruises past Southern Miss 21-3

Kai Horton accounted for all three of Tulane’s touchdowns in a 21-3 victory over Southern Mississippi.