College football is weird. Like, really weird. One day you’re watching a team methodically grind the clock for twelve minutes, and the next, a quarterback is hucking a 40-yard prayer to save a season. That basically sums up the recent chaos of Tulane Green Wave football vs Army football, a matchup that has quickly turned into one of the most stressful, must-watch rivalries in the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
Honestly, if you haven’t been paying attention to these two programs, you’ve missed a masterclass in identity. You have Tulane—the "Group of Five" powerhouse that’s been knocking on the door of the College Football Playoff—and Army, the relentless, triple-option-adjacent machine that just joined the league and immediately started breaking things.
The Night the Black Knights Ruled West Point
Let’s look at what happened on December 6, 2024. Most people expected Tulane to handle their business. They were the defending standard-bearers of the AAC. But Army had other plans. In the AAC Championship Game, the Black Knights didn't just win; they physically dismantled the Green Wave 35-14.
Bryson Daily was a cheat code that night. Four rushing touchdowns. He tied the championship game record and basically told the rest of the conference that the new kids on the block weren't here to play nice. Tulane’s Darian Mensah threw for over 200 yards and a couple of scores, but it didn't matter because Army held the ball for nearly 35 minutes. It's hard to score when you're sitting on the bench watching a guy in a gold helmet run "iso" for the 50th time.
That game changed the vibe of this series. It wasn't just another game. It was a statement.
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Tulane Green Wave Football vs Army Football: The Yulman Revenge
Fast forward to October 18, 2025. The rematch. New Orleans.
Everyone in Yulman Stadium was feeling the heat. Army came in looking to prove 2024 wasn't a fluke. They started exactly how you’d expect: an 18-play opening drive that ate up 11 minutes and 44 seconds of the first quarter. Think about that. Tulane’s offense didn't even touch the turf until the popcorn was half gone.
But this time, the Green Wave stayed patient. Jake Retzlaff, who took over the reins for Tulane, had a bit of a shaky start with an interception, but he found his rhythm when it mattered most. Down 17-10 with six minutes left, things looked grim for the Wave. Then, the comeback happened. Two passing touchdowns in the final minutes flipped the script.
Tulane walked away with a 24-17 win. It was messy. It was gritty. It was exactly what Tulane Green Wave football vs Army football has become—a game of inches where the clock is your biggest enemy.
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Why This Matchup is So Tactically Brutal
You've got two completely different philosophies clashing here. It’s sort of like a chess match where one player has twice as many pieces but the other player can move their knight in any direction they want.
- The Possession Game: Army wants to kill the clock. They had the fourth-longest drive in the FBS in 2025 during that Tulane game. If you’re Tulane, you have to maximize every single possession because you might only get eight of them all game.
- The Explosive Factor: Tulane has the athletes. Guys like Mario Williams and Makhi Hughes can score from anywhere. Army’s defense is built to prevent the "big play," but eventually, the speed of the Green Wave usually finds a seam.
- The QB Run Threat: Whether it’s Bryson Daily or Cale Hellums for Army, the quarterback is basically a fullback who can occasionally throw a 15-yard corner route. Tulane has to commit extra bodies to the box, which leaves their secondary on an island.
The Weird History of "The Berry Curse"
If you want to sound like a real expert at the bar, bring up the Todd Berry years. It’s one of those statistical anomalies that makes no sense. Back in the early 2000s, Army was struggling. Like, really struggling. They went 0-9 in 2002.
Somehow, they still beat a Tulane team that went on to win a bowl game that year. Todd Berry, the Army coach at the time, went 3-1 against Tulane but only won two other games against the rest of the FBS in four years. For whatever reason, West Point just has a knack for catching the Green Wave off guard, regardless of what the records say.
What to Watch for in 2026 and Beyond
Looking ahead, this rivalry isn't slowing down. Both programs are sitting at the top of the AAC food chain. Tulane finished 2025 as the conference champions after beating North Texas, and they even made a splash in the College Football Playoff against Ole Miss. Army, meanwhile, finished 7-6 but won the Fenway Bowl against UConn.
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They are both "winning programs" now. The 2026 schedule rotations are already out, and you can bet this game is circled in red on both calendars.
If you’re betting on or watching the next installment of Tulane Green Wave football vs Army football, keep these points in mind:
- Check the Weather: Army’s ground game becomes even more lethal in the rain or wind. Tulane’s "West Coast" passing attack needs a clean track to really hum.
- Look at the Turnover Margin: In the 2024 championship, Tulane turned it over twice. They lost. In the 2025 regular season, they kept it cleaner and won. In a low-possession game, one fumble is worth 14 points.
- Third Down vs Fourth Down: Army will go for it on 4th-and-1 in their own territory. It’s what they do. Tulane’s defensive line has to be disciplined, or they’ll get "cut-blocked" into oblivion.
Basically, this is the "thinking man's" rivalry. It’s not just about who has the four-star recruits; it’s about who can handle the psychological pressure of a 12-minute drive. Honestly, it's the best football in the American right now.
To get the most out of the next game, track the "Time of Possession" live. If Army is over 35 minutes, Tulane is in deep trouble. If the Green Wave can force a couple of three-and-outs early, the Black Knights' defense usually wears down by the fourth quarter. It’s a simple formula, but executing it is a nightmare.