Tulane Tops North Texas 34–21 to Claim American Conference Title, Eyes First CFP Bid

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NEW ORLEANS — In a rain-soaked American Athletic Conference championship game Friday night, Tulane University defeated North Texas 34–21, securing what is widely expected to be the Green Wave’s first-ever College Football Playoff berth. Led by outgoing head coach Jon Sumrall—who accepted the Florida job less than a week ago but committed to finishing Tulane’s postseason run—the Green Wave (11–2) delivered a balanced and decisive performance before a jubilant home crowd. Quarterback Jake Retzlaff scored two short rushing touchdowns, while running back Jamauri McClure anchored the offense with 121 yards and a score. Sumrall expressed gratitude for the opportunity to continue coaching Tulane through the postseason, saying he was “cherishing every moment” during his transition. Tulane’s defense proved to be the game’s defining force, forcing five turnovers: three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. Safety Jack Tchienchou delivered a standout performance, recording an end-zone interception, a forced fumble, and a key punt recovery on his way to being named the game’s most outstanding player. The turning point came when linebacker Chris Rogers intercepted North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker and returned it 35 yards for a touchdown, extending Tulane’s lead to 31–7 late in the third quarter. Although North Texas (11–2) mounted a rapid comeback attempt—scoring twice in under four minutes to cut the deficit to 31–21—the Green Wave halted the rally with a clock-draining, 13-play drive capped by Patrick Durkin’s 30-yard field goal. Retzlaff described the drive as a moment of collective resolve, saying, “We were going to make a drive they can’t come back from.”

For North Texas, the loss marks a bittersweet close to a historic season that included the program’s first 11-win regular season. Head coach Eric Morris, recently hired by Oklahoma State, has not yet ruled out coaching the team in its upcoming bowl game. The Mean Green opened the matchup with a methodical 15-play touchdown drive but struggled to maintain rhythm amid Tulane’s defensive pressure and the difficult weather conditions.

Tulane now awaits the official announcement of its anticipated CFP berth—an unprecedented milestone for the program. The university will simultaneously continue its search for Sumrall’s successor as the Green Wave prepares for the biggest postseason stage in school history.