The College Football Playoff is expanding, meaning a Group of Five program could crash the big boys’ party in 2025. Enter Tulane, a rising power in the American Athletic Conference with a mix of returning stars, top-tier coaching, and a chip the size of New Orleans.
After a Cotton Bowl victory in 2022 and a consistent national presence in recent seasons, the Green Wave are surfing toward something historic. Could this be the year they crash the CFP as the highest-ranked Group of Five team?
2025 Tulane Green Wave Football Schedule
The 2025 slate is a balanced mix of Power Five tests, key conference clashes, and critical late-season matchups. It’s a schedule that could make or break Tulane’s CFP dreams — and if they run the table, it’s strong enough to demand serious attention from the selection committee.
- Sat, Aug 30—
vs Northwestern
(Tickets from $35) - Sat, Sep 6—
at South Alabama
(Tickets from $25) - Sat, Sep 13—
vs Duke
(Tickets from $29) - Sat, Sep 20—
at Ole Miss
(Tickets from $30) - Sat, Sep 27—
at Tulsa
(Tickets from $20) - Thu, Oct 9—
vs East Carolina
(Tickets from $45) - Sat, Oct 18—
vs Army
(Tickets from $42) - Thu, Oct 30—
at UTSA
(Tickets from $20) - Fri, Nov 7—
at Memphis
(Tickets from $42) - Sat, Nov 15—
vs Florida Atlantic
(Tickets from $50) - Sat, Nov 22—
at Temple
(Tickets from $23) - Sat, Nov 29—
vs Charlotte
(Tickets from $16)
That’s 12 games, including three Power Five opponents and two primetime Thursday night matchups that could boost their national visibility. If Tulane can win those high-profile games, especially early, it could be all the momentum they need to charge into the postseason picture.
Breaking Down the Slate: What to Expect in 2025
Tulane kicks off the season at home against Big Ten opponent Northwestern. Although the Wildcats are rebuilding, they still offer a strong brand-name win opportunity, especially in Week 1. Following that, the Green Wave hit the road to face South Alabama, a sneaky good Sun Belt program that nearly upset them two years ago.
The biggest non-conference test comes in Week 4, when Tulane visits Oxford to take on Ole Miss. It’s a rematch of their thrilling 2023 showdown, and with SEC bragging rights on the line, it’s a must-win for CFP aspirations. The Rebels will likely be ranked, giving Tulane a real chance to vault up the polls with a win.
Duke comes to town in Week 3, and while the Blue Devils may not be flashy, they’re always a solid defensive squad. If Tulane goes 3-1 or better in non-conference play, it’ll be tough for the selection committee to ignore them. Especially if they dominate AAC competition the rest of the way.
Once conference play kicks in, Tulane’s biggest roadblocks include road trips to UTSA and Memphis, two of the AAC’s most physical and explosive teams. The Nov. 7 game at Memphis could very well decide the conference title race.
Quarterback Kai Horton, back for his senior season, will lead an offense that returns eight starters, including wideout Lawrence Keys III and running back Makhi Hughes. Horton threw for over 3,100 yards and 26 touchdowns last season, and he’s being talked about as a legitimate dark-horse Heisman candidate.
Defensively, Tulane returns most of its front seven, including linebacker Jesus Machado and defensive lineman Patrick Jenkins, both of whom earned All-AAC honors in 2024.
What makes Tulane’s CFP push more realistic than in years past is the new 12-team format. Starting in 2024, the highest-ranked Group of Five conference champion earns an automatic bid to the playoff. That means Tulane doesn’t need to beg for an at-large spot — they just need to win the AAC and impress in the process.
KEEP READING: Temple 2025 Football Schedule: Full List of Owls’ Opponents, Dates, and Key Matchups
With games against Northwestern, Duke, and Ole Miss—and a competitive league that includes UTSA, Memphis, and Florida Atlantic—the strength of the schedule will be solid. More importantly, Tulane’s consistent national relevance gives it brand recognition that some Group of Five programs still lack.
Tulane’s 2025 football schedule isn’t just about wins — it’s about making a statement. With the College Football Playoff field expanded and a team loaded with talent, leadership, and experience, the Green Wave are in a prime position to crash the postseason party. The road isn’t easy, but the opportunity is real.
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