Honestly, if you're looking for a matchup that perfectly captures the chaotic, high-stakes energy of the American Athletic Conference, you can stop right here. The rivalry between Tulane Green Wave football vs Memphis Tigers football has basically become the gold standard for "Group of Five" drama. We aren’t just talking about a couple of regional teams hitting each other for three hours. This series has evolved into a legitimate gatekeeper for the College Football Playoff.
Take the most recent showdown in November 2025. It was a classic. Tulane went into the Liberty Bowl and snatched a 38-32 victory from a ranked Memphis squad, effectively flipping the script from the year before. People keep acting like these are just "mid-major" games, but tell that to the No. 22 Tigers who saw their 11-game home winning streak snapped in front of a stunned crowd.
The Battle for the AAC Throne
For a long time, Memphis was the big brother in this relationship. They lead the all-time series 25-16-1, and for a solid decade, they basically owned the Green Wave. But things shifted. Tulane’s rise under Willie Fritz—and now Jon Sumrall—has turned this into a back-and-forth heavyweight fight.
The 2024 game was a heartbreaker for the New Orleans faithful. Tulane was ranked No. 18 and cruising toward a potential playoff spot until Memphis showed up on Thanksgiving night and ruined everything. A 34-24 loss at Yulman Stadium felt like a gut punch. Darian Mensah struggled with turnovers, and the Tigers' Greg Desrosiers Jr. absolutely went off. It’s those kinds of swings that make this rivalry so stressful (and great) to watch.
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Recent Matchup History
- Nov 7, 2025: Tulane 38, Memphis 32 (Memphis, TN)
- Nov 28, 2024: Memphis 34, Tulane 24 (New Orleans, LA)
- Oct 13, 2023: Tulane 31, Memphis 21 (Memphis, TN)
- Oct 22, 2022: Tulane 38, Memphis 28 (New Orleans, LA)
You see the pattern? Home-field advantage hasn't meant much lately. Tulane has actually won three of the last four.
Why the 2025 Game Changed Everything
Coming into the 2025 clash, Memphis was the highest-ranked G5 team in the country. They were sitting pretty at No. 22 in the AP Poll and looked like a lock for the expanded 12-team playoff. Then Jake Retzlaff happened.
Retzlaff, the Tulane quarterback who had actually been benched earlier in the season against UTSA, played out of his mind. He threw for 332 yards and three touchdowns, including a 65-yard bomb to Shazz Preston on the very first play from scrimmage.
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Tulane was up 35-17 at halftime. It looked like a blowout. But Memphis, being Memphis, clawed back. They got within six points in the fourth quarter. It came down to a 3rd-and-long with under two minutes left. Retzlaff tucked the ball, ran for the first down, and basically ended the Tigers' playoff dreams right there. That’s the level of intensity we’re talking about. It’s rarely a boring game.
The Stars Who Defined the Series
If you want to understand why these games get so high-scoring, look at the guys who have suited up. Tulane has had legendary performances in this series. Matt Forte once ran for 278 yards against Memphis in 2007. More recently, Tyjae Spears put up 264 rushing yards in 2021.
Memphis has had their own icons, too. Seth Henigan recently became the AAC’s all-time passing leader during the 2024 win over Tulane. He’s the kind of quarterback who could dismantle a defense if you gave him a split second of extra time in the pocket.
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Keys to the Rivalry
- The Ground Game: Jon Sumrall is currently 30-1 in his career when his teams outrush the opponent. In the 2025 win, Tulane had 125 rushing yards to Memphis' 67. That’s the game right there.
- Turnover Margin: In 2024, Tulane fumbled twice inside the Memphis 10-yard line. You can’t do that and expect to win.
- Third Down Conversions: These teams are usually so evenly matched that it comes down to who can stay on the field.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Realignment
There is a lot of talk about conference realignment right now. Memphis and Tulane are consistently at the top of the list for "Power Four" expansion. Whether it’s the Big 12 or the ACC looking at them, this specific matchup is their best audition.
Memphis has a massive basketball brand and a solid football foundation. Tulane has the New Orleans market and a recent track record of winning conference titles (2022 and 2025). When these two play, scouts and conference commissioners are definitely watching.
If you're a bettor or just a casual fan, never overlook the "over" in this game. The offenses are usually too fast for the defenses to keep up for four full quarters. The 2025 game had over 800 yards of total offense between the two sides.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're planning on catching the next edition of this rivalry, keep a few things in mind.
- Watch the Trench Battle: Tulane’s defensive line, led by guys like Makai Williams, was the difference-maker in 2025 with six sacks. If Memphis can't protect their QB, they can't win.
- Check the Rankings: This game almost always has conference championship implications. It’s rarely a "meaningless" late-season game.
- Yulman vs. Liberty Bowl: Both stadiums provide unique atmospheres. Yulman is intimate and loud, while the Liberty Bowl has that old-school, gritty feel that makes night games there feel special.
To stay ahead of the curve on the next matchup, keep an eye on the transfer portal moves for both programs this spring. Both Sumrall and the Memphis staff (now under Charles Huff) have been aggressive in rebuilding their rosters via the portal. Checking the updated depth charts in August will give you a much better idea of who has the edge in the next chapter of Tulane Green Wave football vs Memphis Tigers football.