The Green Wave was led by a trio of First-Team selections.
The Tulane Green Wave is receiving high praise ahead of the season, with 10 players selected to Athlon Sports 2026 Preseason American All-Conference Selections.
Athlon First-Team selections included Jamauri McClure, Jack Tchienchou and Jaylin Lucas. Meanwhile, Anthony Brown-Stephens, Chris Rodgers and Dickson Agu were named to the Athlon Second-Team. Third Team selections included Reese Baker, Ed Smith IV and E'zaiah Shine, while Derrick Shepard Jr. was named to the Athlon Fourth Team.
McClure is gearing up for a massive season after a strong freshman campaign. The running back rushed for 540 yards and two touchdowns, totaling more than 100 yards in multiple contests. Lucas, a redshirt senior running back and return specialist, is looking to make his mark in his first season with the program. He has totaled 55 kick returns for 1,420 yards and three touchdowns, while adding six additional touchdowns on offense.
Tchienchou is looking to have a special senior season. He started in 14 games in 2025 and was named a First Team American All-Conference player to end the year. The defensive back led the team with 83 tackles while adding 2.5 tackles-for-loss, one sack, two interceptions and three pass breakups.
Brown-Stephens is looking to move up in the wideouts room this year. The redshirt senior played in each contest for the Olive Green and Sky Blue last year, finishing with 41 receptions for 523 total yards.
Rodgers was just behind Tchienchou with 80 tackles in 2025, and he added seven tackles-for-loss, 2.5 sacks, an interception and a forced fumble. The senior linebacker is looking to be one of the biggest threats on the field heading into his 2026 campaign. Fellow linebacker Agu made his mark in 2025 as well, despite only playing in five games due to an injury. He finished with 36 tackles and two tackles-for-loss.
Smith IV transferred from the South Alabama Jaguars in the offseason, but he's looking to quickly make a mark on the defensive line. The redshirt senior finished his time in Mobile with 72 tackles, 8.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks. His teammate on defense, Shine, is already making his mark as a redshirt sophomore. The cornerback started in all 14 games last year while adding 41 tackles, seven pass breakups and a fumble recovery.
Baker is another redshirt sophomore who is earning some well-deserved praise. He started all 14 games for Tulane on the offensive line last year and contributed heavily to one of the best units in the league.
Lastly, Shepard is a redshirt senior defensive lineman who wants a big year to end his career. He totaled six tackles and one tackle-for-loss in 2025.
