With training camp approaching, preseason accolades are giving Green Wave fans an early look at the roster's biggest playmakers.
The Tulane Green Wave are gearing up for the 2026 college football season and there are quite a few established stars on the roster.
At this point, several preseason accolades have rolled in, giving some insight on players to watch for the Green Wave this upcoming season.
In addition to nine selections on Phil Steele’s 2026 Preseason American All-Conference Team, Tulane football also saw 10 players make the Athlon Sports 2026 Preseason American All-Conference Selections.
All of these preseason lists have tiers, and it’s a solid way to get a sense of the star power on the roster ahead of the season and training camp that should kick off towards the end of July and beginning of August.
The first team selections thus far show a group of playmakers.
On Phil Steele’s list, linebacker Chris Rodgers, safety Jack Tchienchou, and defensive back/return specialist Tavare “TJ” Smith were the first team standouts.
On Athlon’s list, Tchienchou was the only player to make First Team twice, and that should be expected following last season.
Tchienchou had a team-leading 83 tackles and led with 55 solo tackles as well, which is impressive coming down from the free safety position in the secondary.
He also totaled 2.5 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions, and three pass breakups.
But what you’re really looking for in Tchienchou is veteran leadership, and the numbers that back it up.
Tchienchou played alongside former veteran safety Bailey Despanie, who was one of the few players to remain on the team from the Willie Fritz era, and who truly understood the culture for the Green Wave.
Defense wins championships as much as strong quarterback play does.
Tulane has a bit more of a question mark in that latter category.
For that, it makes sense that running backs Jamauri McClure and Jaylin Lucas made the list as the other first teamers.
Lucas made Third Team on Phil Steele’s list and will be a triple threat for the Wave as a running back, pass catcher, and return specialist.
Lucas was a First Team All-American returner and the Big Ten Return Specialists of the Year back at Indiana and has a career 55 total kick returns for 1,420 yards and three touchdowns, 145 rushes for 719 yards and 64 receptions for 456 yards.
McClure is the star power that will make the Green Wave offense go.
He was sensational in his breakout season with 540 yards and two touchdowns, with multiple 100-plus yard games.
Despite not gaining the starting role until the final games of conference play, McClure was second only to quarterback Jake Retzlaff in rush yards last season.
The offense should be built around his skillset, and despite being snubbed from the other preseason selections, McClure is perhaps the most purely talented back for Tulane since Tyjae Spears. That’s a player to watch.
