The Green Wave hasn't had the best start to the year defensively, but some players are proving that they can turn things around for the program.
There's plenty of work to be done defensively for the Tulane Green Wave.
The unit has had its fair share of problems to start the season, with a lack of fundamentals and an inability to get off the field being the most notable issues. However, Tulane held strong when it mattered in its Week Two win over the South Alabama Jaguars, and some players definitely rose to the occasion.
Can the Green Wave find a way to string together some solid defense against the Kansas State Wildcats this weekend? Here are three players who could be fundamental to the team's success against the Power Four opponent.
LB Makai Williams
Williams had an impressive performance against South Alabama, totaling eight tackles and two tackles-for-loss in the matchup. Of those TFLs, one resulted in a turnover on downs. The big game was a great indicator of how big of an asset he could be to the team through the rest of the season.
In the wake of an apparent injury to standout linebacker Chris Rodgers, Williams will probably take on an even bigger role for Tulane. At this point, he looks ready for it, but we'll see how well he fares against a solid Kansas State offense.
LB Dickson Agu
Like Williams, Agu will be expected to step up even more in the absence of Rodgers. Unlike Williams, he entered the season as one of the most pivotal players on the entire team... so the pressure is nothing new to him.
Agu has been arguably the best defensive player for the Green Wave to start the year. He picked up a team high 14 tackles against the Jaguars and is currently among the American Conference leaders defensively. Agu was named a Comeback Player of the Week on Monday, highlighting just how well he's performed in his first two games back since suffering a season-ending injury early in the 2025 season. Expect more of the same against the Wildcats as the linebacker works to continue putting together a storied season.
S Jack Tchienchou
It seems like we haven't heard Tchienchou's name quite enough to start the year.
Sure, he's been pretty good -- he picked up eight tackles and one pass breakup against South Alabama -- but it feels like he could do even more. Tchienchou received plenty of praise in the preseason, being named to multiple watchlists for defensive awards, but it doesn't look like he's playing up to his standard just yet.
There's no doubt that Tchienchou will get there eventually, and this weekend might be the perfect time for a breakout game. It's his time to shine against a strong Power Four opponent as he looks to help lead the Green Wave to a massive upset.
