The Tulane defense is reloading with several key players returning, including two more defensive backs.
The Tulane Green Wave are seeing a lot of players commit to returning for the 2026 season under new head coach Will Hall, particularly in the secondary. It’s a strong sign of endorsement behind the promotion of linebackers coach Tayler Polk to defensive coordinator. So far, the secondary is returning free safety Jack Tchienchou, the American Conference Championship game MVP. Strong safety Bailey Despanie is heading to the NFL draft, and spear Javion White and boundary corner Jahiem “Joker” Johnson entered the transfer portal.
However, they are now also returning their starting field corner now and his backup, as E’zaiah Shine and LJ Green both announced their returns. Shine posted a graphic on X and Tulane recruiting account Tulane Tailgate posted on X that they confirmed his return with Green himself, with Green reposting it. Those are really important returns for the secondary and should be expected to make jumps this upcoming season with a year in the system and development under cornerbacks coach JJ McCleskey, who is returning to the role under Hall.
Shine joined the team as a freshman and redshirted for the 2024 season, spending his time as a scout cornerback – often tasked with facing off with former talented receivers including Mario Williams. The 2025 season was Shine’s first as a starting corner and, really, his first experience at all on a collegiate field. His inexperience showed at times, but he also showed real promise and growth throughout the year. Shine posted 33 solo tackles, 41 total, two tackles for loss, one fumble recovery, and seven pass breakups.
Green often came in for series to replace Shine and had his moments – including a key incompletion in coverage against the Memphis Tigers that would have been a touchdown had he not played through it. Green transferred over from former coach Jon Sumrall’s former program at Troy, where he was recruited under that staff and was there from 2023 to 2024. He redshirted in 2023 but started all 12 games as a redshirt freshman in 2024. Green played the 43rd most snaps among freshmen or redshirt freshmen corners in the nation and the 17th most in the Group of Five.
He transferred over to Tulane in the second portal window that no longer exists after the spring and was a preseason Fourth Team All-AAC selection by Athlon Sports. Green played in 12 games for the Green Wave and had 12 solo tackles, 15 total, 0.5 tackles for loss, a fumble recovery in the conference championship, and two pass breakups.