Tulane Football: A Look Ahead at the 2026 Schedule and Emerging AAC Trends
The Tulane Green Wave unveiled its 2026 football schedule on Thursday, promising a challenging season filled with rematches and key conference matchups. As the American Athletic Conference (AAC) prepares for its third consecutive season as a 14-team conference, the schedule offers a glimpse into the evolving landscape of college football.
Rematch Mania: Key Games on the Horizon
The 2026 season is marked by several intriguing rematches. Tulane will kick off the season against Duke on September 5th, revisiting their 34-27 victory from the previous season. Later in the season, a November 21st home game against North Texas will be a repeat of the 2025 AAC Championship game, which Tulane won 34-21. These rematches provide immediate storylines and opportunities for both teams to demonstrate growth and adaptation.
Non-Conference Tests: A Diverse Slate
Tulane’s non-conference schedule presents a mix of familiar foes and challenging road trips. The Green Wave will host South Alabama on September 12th, a team that gave them a tough fight in 2025. A road game at Kansas State on September 19th will test Tulane against a Big 12 opponent. The September 26th home game against Southern Miss will serve as the program’s Hall of Fame game, marking the first Battle for the Bell matchup since 2023.
AAC Competition: Navigating a Shifting Conference
The AAC schedule is packed with competitive games. Tulane will face Army on October 10th, Memphis on October 16th, and UTSA on October 24th, all at home. Road games against Charlotte (October 30th), Rice (November 14th), and South Florida (November 27th or 28th) will be crucial for maintaining a strong conference record. The November 7th Homecoming game against Tulsa will also be a key test.
The Rise of the AAC: A League on the Ascendancy
The release of the 2026 schedule underscores the AAC’s growing prominence in college football. The conference’s commitment to an eight-game league schedule, alongside four non-conference contests, aims to balance competitive strength with broader exposure. As noted in recent reports, Tulane is currently a leading force within the AAC, boasting multiple Power Five wins. This trend suggests the conference is becoming a consistent producer of nationally competitive programs.
The AAC’s structure, with the Army-Navy game considered a non-conference contest, allows for flexibility in scheduling and potential championship game matchups. The championship game, scheduled for December 5th at the home stadium of the team with the highest conference winning percentage, adds another layer of excitement.
Looking Ahead: Tulane’s Championship Aspirations
Tulane’s consistent appearances in the conference championship game – a league-record four consecutive appearances – demonstrate their commitment to excellence. The 2026 schedule presents both opportunities and challenges as the Green Wave aims to defend their title and continue their ascent in the college football landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I find more information about the Tulane Green Wave Club?
A: You can learn more and make a donation by calling (504) 865-5356, emailing [email protected], or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.
Q: When will kickoff times and television designations be finalized?
A: Kickoff times and television designations for the first three weeks of the season will be finalized on or before June 1. The remaining times will be announced six to 12 days before the game.
Q: How many conference games will Tulane play in 2026?
A: Tulane will play eight conference games in 2026.
Q: What is the significance of the Hall of Fame game?
A: The September 26th game against Southern Miss will serve as the program’s Hall of Fame game, honoring significant figures in Tulane football history.
Did you know? Tulane is undefeated through its first three games in only three seasons in the last 50 years – 1998, 2022, and currently.
Stay tuned for further updates on the 2026 Tulane football season. Be sure to check back for kickoff times, television schedules, and in-depth game previews as they become available.
