Though non-conference play proved to be challenging for the Tulane Green Wave, the start of American Conference action is a chance for the team to have a much-needed reset and get the season back on track.

The program is 2-2 on the year with a pair of come-from-behind victories against the South Alabama Jaguars and the Southern Miss Golden Eagles. Tulane lost both of its Power Four matchups to start the year, but there's hope that facing that level of stiff competition could have helped the team feel better prepared heading into the next eight games. That stretch starts Saturday, as the program will hit the road to take on the Army Black Knights. 

The Green Wave has been largely boosted offensively by its strong running backs room; its quarterbacks and wideouts have been average at best, and its offensive line has had some major issues. On top of this, it seems like there's potentially some uncertainty as to who the starting signal-caller will be this weekend.

However, there's a little bit of good news for Tulane, most notably the likely return of a standout player from the 2025 season. Here's a look at which offensive players could make the biggest impact on Saturday.

All signs point to Jamauri McClure returning this weekend against Army, especially since he was seen practicing without a non-contact jersey on Tuesday. 

The Green Wave's running backs room has some strong players, but McClure is going to be a much-needed addition to the offense. The redshirt sophomore finished his impressive 2025 campaign averaging 6.5 yards per carry, and he totaled 540 rushing yards and two touchdowns in the final five games of the season. 

It's hard to think of any player who could change the trajectory of the season more than McClure. Though he might still be a bit rusty as he works back from injury, there's plenty of excitement surrounding his return.

Lewis is another impact player who could finally be back for Tulane.

The wideout suffered an injury in Week One against the Duke Blue Devils, and he's been sidelined ever since. Luke McClure, Lewis was seen practicing without a non-contact jersey on Tuesday, meaning he could make his return this weekend. 

The wide receivers room has been stagnant -- though quarterback play hasn't helped -- and a solid returner like Lewis could at least open more doors for the Olive Green and Sky Blue offense. He might still be somewhat limited in snaps played, but it'll be nice to see him back on the field in any capacity. 

Hill has seen his touches go down, and there's no doubt that there's been a bit of frustration as a result.

The LSU Tigers transfer has been the team's best wide receiver to start the year, but he's just not getting to see the ball as much as one would hope. After opening the year with 67 yards against Duke and 91 yards plus a touchdown against South Alabama, Hill had no catches in Week Three against the Kansas State Wildcats and only three receptions for 11 yards against Southern Miss. He should be on the field as often as possible, and for some reason, he hasn't been.  

Tulane can't afford to let his talent go to waste. Maybe after a bye week and a bit of a reset all around, Hill will finally get his chance to shine again... and if he does, the Black Knights better watch out.