The Tulane Green Wave signed a lot of young talent on national signing day but will look to replace most of their starters in the transfer portal or through players already on the team. That is a bit hard to prognosticate when a lot of players haven’t announced their intentions yet. In addition, there are often guys who decide to come back after entering the portal. Tight end Alex Bauman did so in 2023, eventually transferring to Miami in 2024, and quarterback-turned tight end Ty Thompson returned from the transfer portal this last offseason. Most should be expected to be gone.

But until the portal opens, and players officially sign with other teams – incoming new Green Wave players included – it’s hard to know exact needs. However, there are plenty of graduating players who will definitely need replacing, and a lot of guys have declared their intent to enter the portal. Let’s take a look at the state of the defensive side of the ball and what positions need attention come Friday, Jan. 2, when the portal officially opens. That side of the ball will be headlined by former linebacker coach and new defensive coordinator, Tayler Polk.

Transfer portal: DT Santana Hopper, NT Tre’Von McAlpine, BAN Harvey Dyson, DE Jordan Norman

Graduating: DE Kam Hamilton, DT Elijah Champaigne, BAN Mo Westmoreland

The defensive line will need some reinforcements in the portal. Kam Hamilton was the starting defensive end, backed up by Norman. The only player left is true freshman Josh Lewis, who hasn’t announced his intentions. Nose tackle may return Armondous Cooley who has one year left, and Derrick Shepard Jr., but neither have announced. McAlpine made up the majority of production at the role with 3 tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery. Hopper is a huge loss at tackle, as is Dyson and Westmoreland in tandem at Bandit. Third stringer Jah’rie Garner did announce he was coming back Tuesday and is a promising young player with potential. But the interior will need to be addressed on Friday.

Transfer portal: None

Graduating: Sam Howard

This position group is poised to be the strongest in terms of retention. Dickson Agu, Chris Rodgers, and Makai Williams have all announced they’re coming back. The loss of Howard can’t be overstated, but he helped mold both Agu and Rodgers alongside him. Rodgers also had to step up when Howard went down, as did Williams who slotted in for Howard in that two-game slate. It’s a strong endorsement of the team’s new coordinator.

Transfer portal: DB Jahiem Johnson, DB Jayden Lewis

Graduating: SS Bailey Despanie, DB Isaiah Wadsworth, DB KC Eziomume

The secondary was up and down for Tulane last season. They didn’t get that much out of their outside corners, and most aren’t returning. Frankly, LJ Green is one who showed promise towards the end of the year, and he hasn’t announced anything yet. E’zaiah Shine also could continue to grow as a starter with a year of experience and more development. Johnson is a loss, but the team can find an experienced transfer in the portal there. Lewis didn’t really play enough to know the loss there. Wadsworth and Eziomume were important depth players. The biggest loss is senior Bailey Despanie, who was on the roster since the 2-10 year. It’ll be important to see whether free safety Jack Tchienchou and spear Javion White stay or enter the portal as two of the most talented players on that side of the ball.