Tulane Green Wave Basketball Preview 2025-2026

Patrick Harkness • October 27, 2025

2025-2026 Tulane Green Wave Basketball Season Preview

In Memory of Gregg Glenn III

Head coach Ron Hunter, now in his seventh year at the helm (89-89), has gradually transformed Tulane into a team that can contend. Alot of optimism surrounds the team with the Wave being picked to finish third in the American Conference. Compared to last season's team, Ron will be counting on more leadership especially with a vet savvy team. Development and chemistry will also be key with some younger players from last season stepping into bigger roles. 

That being said THE Tulane Green Wave men's basketball team enters the 2025-2026 season with high expectations. After losing 5 players to the transfer portal including key players like Kam Williams, Kaleb Banks and Mari Jordan, Ron Hunter wasted no time in hitting the portal and the 2025 recruiting class. Ron and his coaching staff were able to haul in 4 transfer portal players and 2 freshmen. The 4 transfers look to immediately help out the team and hit the ground running while the two freshmen look to slowly get involved as the season progresses.

Rowan Brumbaugh and Asher Woods received pre-season accolades for the Wave. Rowan was picked as Pre-Season Conference Player of the Year and Asher Woods was picked as second team all-conference. 

As a team Tulane was picked to finish 3rd in the American Conference. Ron has stated “I'm not worried about pre-season rankings, all I'm focusing on is getting the team ready and winning the American Conference and Post-Season play, we are good enough to do that” 

In my season preview I'll go over transfer departures, transfer additions, the recruiting class of 2025, positional breakdown, projected lineups and scouting reports on recruits/transfers/returning players 


Coaching Staff
Head Coach
Ron Hunter
7th season
89-89 at Tulane

Associate Head Coach
Ray McCallum

Assistant Coach
Claude Pardue

Assistant Coach
Sean Mock

Assistant Coach
Gebereal Baitey

Assistant Coach 
Rj Hunter


Supporting Staff

Director of Basketball Operations
Nate Summers

Senior Athletic Trainer
Quinton Nease

Assistant Coach/Strength and Conditioning
Dan Rickaby

Assistant Director/Student Development and Video
Ben Miner


Last Years AAC Standings
Memphis
16-2    Conf
29-6   Overall

North Texas
14-4
27-9

UAB
13-5
24-13

Tulane
12-6
19-15

Florida Atlantic
10-8
18-16

East Carolina
10-8
19-14

Temple
9-9
17-15

Wichita State
8-10
19-15

South Florida
6-12
13-19

Tulsa
6-12
13-20

UTSA
6-12
12-19

Rice
4-14
13-19

Charlotte
3-15
11-22


Roster

0 Tyler Ringgold-F. 6-8/225. R-SO

1 Josh "JoJo" Moore-G. 6-4/205.  SO

2 Gregg Glenn III-F.  6-7/240.  SR

5 Scotty Middleton-G/F. 6-6/165 JR

7 Rowan Brumbaugh-G. 6-4/185 R-JR

9 KJ Greene-G. 6-3/170 SO

11 Luke Rasmussen-G/F. 6-8/215 R-SO

13 Joseph Teich-G. 5-10/155 SO

15 Robert Moore-G. 6-6/180 FR

22 Asher Woods-G. 6-3/190 SR

23 Percy Daniels-F/C. 6-10/230 SR

32 Luke Cronin-F. 6-8/210 JR

34 Jake Shapiro-G. 6-1/190 R-SO

55 Davion Bradford-C. 7-0/265 SR

77 Vasilije "Vas" Kuridza-F. 6-9/235 FR

99 Curtis Williams Jr-G/F. 6-6/180 JR



Transfer Departures

Logan Stephens- The Junior Guard who came over from Rutgers 2 years ago never really was able to find ground in the Tulane lineup. When they first got Logan, I thought he could potentially be a key bench guy down the road, but things never really clicked for him here. Best of luck.

8 GP, 5.9 min, 26.7%, 2.3 pts. 

Kam Williams-(Kentucky) Kam Williams was phenomenal for the Wave last year. It took him several games to find his shot but when he did it was electric. By the end of the season Kam was one of the best players on the team. Kam will be a very hard player to replace but this coaching staff has a plan to use multiple guys to make up for his play.  

33 GP, 32 min, 48.5 FG%, 41.2 3PT%, 4.5 reb, 1.3 ast, 1.1 blk, 1.4 stl, 9.3 pts.

Kaleb Banks- (DePaul) Kaleb started the season on fire from beyond the arc but as the season progressed, he got a little streaky and seemed to fade a little as the season got closer to the end. Either way he was a great player for the wave last season and will also be a tough player to replace. Like I said for Kam it's going to take a couple of players to replace his play on the court.

32 GP, 31 min, 50.6 FG%, 34.1 3PT%, 6.7 reb, 1 ast, 1.3 blk, 14.7 pts

Mari Jordan- (Radford) I was really surprised that Mari left and he went to Radford out of all the places. He was mostly inconsistent on the year but when he got hot, he really helped out the Green Wave. The very first game of the year he balled out and got 18 points but that was against a really bad team, but you got to see his potential. Mari finished the season strong and for the entire year he finished in double digit points 12 times. 

Mari Jordan was only a freshman last year and was still learning to play at the collegiate level so I figured he would've come back and be a key player in the lineup, potentially being the number two guy next to Asher Woods and Rowan. 

32 GP, 19.6 min, 39.5 FG%, 34.9 3 PT%, 3.6 reb, 7 pts

Spencer Elliot- I really liked Spencer when Tulane first got him in his recruiting cycle and after a year of college ball under his belt I thought he could potentially be a guy off the bench to help out. In the limited amount of time he got on the court you could see the potential but you could also tell he lacked the confidence and aggressiveness to be successful at this level. I still have a lot of faith in Spencer and in the right system I think he can succeed. Best of Luck!   

16 GP, 5.3 min, 1.1 reb, .9 pts


Transfer Additions

Josh “JoJo” Moore- (Oral Roberts) A versatile Playmaker with the ball in his hands and can be dynamic in the open court. The most athletic player on the team. 

Ron Hunter: “He came over from Oral Roberts so he's getting used to the speed and size. Started off a little slow but is starting to pick it up and figuring out the system. No question he will be a part of the rotation.”

27.5 min, 10.9 pts, 49.4% FG, 4.4 reb, 2.2 ast

Curtis Williams Jr-(Georgetown) A shot making big wing who is versatile and a scoring threat when the ball is in his hands. Williams can be a weapon with his ability to shoot. He has a good mid-range jumper and knows how to attack the rim. A skilled rebounder and can play some defense.

33 GP, 15.4 min, 40% FG, 30% 3PT, 73% FT, 1.8 reb, 4.7 pts

Scotty Middleton- (Seton Hall) Scotty is definitely a Ron Hunter type of player. He can score from all three levels of the court. He plays pretty good defense but needs to get stronger. Good size and long arms. Has good range on his jumper and can play above the rim.

29 GP, 21 min, 43.4% FG, 38.4 3PT%, 77% FT, 2.3 reb, 5.8 pts  

Davion Bradford- (East Tenn State) Big strong center who started his career at Kansas State. As a true freshman with Kansas State Bradford was averaging 21 min, 4.3 reb and 7.7 pts. In the right system his potential can be sky high. He's very active around the rim and has the potential to be a scoring threat but should immediately help the wave out in the rebounding and defense department. Davion was one of the most improved players on the team this offseason. 

Ron Hunter: "Great Character Guy"

25 GP, 11 min, 52.4 % FG, 2.4 reb, 2.5 pts

Luke Cronin- (D-3 Yeshiva U)- Walk-on. Started 22 games in D-3 averaging 5.8 points with 5 boards and 3 assists. In the 22 games he averaged 20 min. Started his career at George Washington where he played in 4 games for a total of 6 min. 

In High School he was named County and All-Long Island in 2022 and 2023. He received All-State in 2023 and played in the Philly All-American Game. 


Recruiting Additions

Robert Moore- 3 Star/87. Ranked 138 in the nation on rivals and the 31st best shooting guard. 

During his prep career Moore earned All-Region honors three times and was named All-Lowcountry in South Carolina. He also won the Sniper Award at the 2024 Pangos All-American Camp in Las Vegas. In his debut at the camp, he knocked down five three-pointers on his way to a 23-point performance on 8-of-13 shooting overall. Moore has proven to be a pure and effective shooter during his high school career. This season during his senior campaign he drained 12 shots from beyond the arc in a single game. He also sharpened his skills on the court playing for the AAU Upward Stars program on the Adidas Circuit. 
-Tulane Athletic dept

SR: His skill should be able to help and contribute to the Green Wave this season. He really can shoot the 3-Ball from multiple areas of the court. With his size he's able to finish strong and has the ability to create plays. Robert is a smart player/scorer and playmaker. Moore has led the team in scoring in a couple of scrimmages this season.

Ron Hunter: “Phenomenal Shooter and a very skilled basketball player who has a great feel for the game, real opportunity for him to play this season”

Vasilije “Vas” Kuridza- A skilled forward who Tulane brought in late in the process and it's his first time in the United States. 

Played with the Bosnia U18 National Team for three seasons…Averaged 7.1 points and 4.5 rebounds in 22 career games with the national youth team… Helped the Bosnia U18 team finish 18th in the 2024 FIBA U18 EuroBasket Division B, 14th in the 2023 FIBA U18 European Championship Division B, and 6th in the 2022 FIBA U18 European Championship Division B… Also participated in club competition including playing two years with KK Igokea in the Bosnian League and the ABA League and spending one season with the New Orleans Pelicans in the 2023 Europe Basketball Without Borders (BWB) organized by the NBA and FIBA… Averaged 6.7 points and 6.2 points during his two seasons with KK Igokea and 2.8 points in four games during the BWB Europe 2023… Helped KK Igokea win the 2023 Bosnian Youth Basketball Champions League. - Tulane Athletic Dept

They found Vas through a friend and got in contact with his agent to bring him in. -Coach Sean Mock

Ron Hunter: “He’s still learning everything between the culture and how to play in the Tulane system. He's a very talented player, so talented I want to find a way for him to play this season, but I don't want to rush him” 

Ron seems very excited to get him in the door and start working with him. 

Fun Fact: Ron said Vasilije's favorite food is shrimp so he's going to fit right in.

8.8 pts, 7.5 reb, 2.5 ast, 50% FG, 55% FT, 2.5 ast, 3.0 stl



Returning Players

Tyler Ringgold- Tyler really showed his potential in the first two games of the year defensively and offensively. In those two contests he tallied 20 points,13 reb, 2 ast, and 3 blk. Tyler is a very good defensive player and has a lot of promise offensively. I'm expecting a big jump from him this year and really help out the Wave on both ends of the court.  Expect him to crash the boards and lock down defenders. 

Ron Hunter: "Tyler is working on his corner three shot" 

11 min, 43% FG, 21% 3PT, 69% FT, 2.4 reb, 3.6 pts

Rowan Brumbaugh- Will be the key for Tulane this season. Rowan is a true Quarterback for this Green Wave team scoring and passing the ball. Last season he played in all 34 games earning All-AAC First Team and Newcomer of the year. He collected 20 or more points in 9 games and had a career high of 25 points. In 17 games last year he had at least 5 assists and a career high of 11. This year he received the Pre-Season Player of the Year. 

Rowan told me aspects of his game he wants to improve: "My 3-point percentage and making the first simple read. Getting better at what I do." 

35 min, 41 FG%, 35% 3PT, 81% FT, 4 reb, 4.8 ast, 1.6 stl, 15.5 pts

KJ Greene- The highest recruit in Tulane basketball history returns for the Wave. He played sparingly last season 25 out of 34 games but still got good time for a true freshman. KJ was inconsistent at times and a little turnover prone, but he was a true freshman learning the college level of play. KJ has the ability to be a good PG and shows a lot of promise in facilitating the basketball to other players for the score, very good passer. In 3 games he recorded three assists and 5 pts. His career high was against UAB when he scored 9 pts on 4 of 5 shooting.   

7 min, 39% FG, 28% 3PT, 65% FT, 1.5 pts

Luke Rasmussen- A big guard/forward (6-8) who has potential down the road with Tulane. We may get to see what Luke has with the lack of depth at the power forward position. Has a good three ball and can crash the boards. Redshirted this past season.

2 years ago, at Lafayette College averaged 2.5 pts, 1.6 reb and 14 threes made. Best game was against army and combined for 12 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists

Joseph Teich- Was a walk-on last year who got into 9 games as a freshman. Knocked down a three pointer late in the contest against USC in the College Basketball Crown.

Asher Woods- Asher is building off a very strong season from last year and its showing in offseason workouts and practices. 

Ron Hunter: “Asher has been practicing very well for this team and is becoming a vocal leader by taking players under his wing”.

Like coach said Woods has also taken on a leadership role for the Wave this season and also been a mentor for a new transfer player. 

Asher has been helping with the development of newcomer Josh “JoJo” Moore. 

Woods is really excited to be the leader in the locker room and for the younger guys.

I talked to Asher about his personnel goals/team goals and areas of his game he wants to improve: “I'm always focused on the team and just showing up every day, we got a group of guys who can win. Playing one day at a time and being consistent." "Being more effective in every aspect of the game, understanding the details like film and being aggressive at all times, knowing my role” 

11.5 pts, 2.5 reb, 2.4 ast, 42.3 FG%, 33.6% 3PT

Percy Daniels- I'm expecting a jump from Percy this season, on the court and as a vocal leader. Last season he got in on 34 contests and was inconsistent at times but when he was on, he provided a defensive spark and a guy who could score around the rim. As the season progresses this year, I could see him gaining some confidence and being a good starter or key guy off the bench. Expect Percy to come in at the Power Forward position this year.

10 min, 66% FG, 66% FT, 1.7 reb, .8 blk, 1.6 pts

Jake Shapiro- The walk-on got into 9 contests last season averaging 1.4 min with .7 pts. Jake knocked down a three against two teams last season, Southern Miss and UTSA.



Most Improved Offseason Player

Davion Bradford- "DB" has been practicing so well with the team that they had to start changing/tweaking the offense to get him more involved with the ball around the rim. A real quality post player.

Ron Hunter: " Really impressed and floored with how talented he is. DB could turn out to be really special."  


Key Players This Season

1. Rowan Brumbaugh
2. Asher Woods
3. Scotty Middleton


Break Out Player's

1. KJ Greene
2. Davion Bradford
3. Tyler Ringgold

Positional Breakdown

PG
Rowan Brumbaugh will be the quarterback of the room, expect another big season from the Redshirt Junior who received Pre-Season Player of the Year honors. KJ Greene should be the first one off the bench to come in for Rowan. Expect a jump from him this season with a year under his belt, could also see Rowan going out to SG and Greene at point. 

Asher Woods also has the ability to come in and play PG if need be.  

SG
Asher Woods the Pre-Season 2nd team All-Conference SG really started to play well as the season went on. Woods has the potential to be a really good ball player, and I think he has a chance at All-First team conference when the season is over. 

The first guy off the bench could be multiple of guys depending on the situation. Josh "JoJo" Moore and Curtis Williams, two new transfer's both have the ability to come off the bench and be productive for Tulane and give them a little spark. I could also see Scotty Middelton moving from SF to SG in certain situations. 

SF
Scotty Middelton could be the dark horse of this team. He fits perfectly into this style of play. Started his career at Ohio State where he got in 30 games and played fairly well for a true freshman. If he can get some confidence and put everything together watch out Tulane fans. 

Just like SG this position as well could see different guys come in and play. Curtis Williams and true freshman Robert Moore. Curtis comes over from Georgetown where he played in 33 games, a skilled jump shooter and rebounder who can also play defense. Robert Moore a very skilled shooter from beyond the arc could be lighting in a bottle and a key spark off the bench if things aren't going the Waves way and they need some big 3's.

PF
This position gets a little tricky with the lack of depth, but Tyler Ringgold should take over this spot, a very skilled defender and rebounder. Has the potential to find his three ball and knows how to score inside with aggression. Tyler could very well be the leader defensively for this team.

The international recruit Tulane got late in the process is Vasilije "VAS" Kuridza. Vas is a skilled forward who has the potential to help Tulane out down the road. 

Percy Daniels is expected to come in and play the 4 spot, more of a traditional style of play. Something that Tulane basketball hasn't seen in a while.

C
Percy Daniels returns for the Green Wave and should get the starting nod but keep a very close eye on Davion Bradford. Davion has been practicing very well for Tulane and they're tweaking the offense just for him. Both Percy and Davion will be splitting time throughout the season. Expecting good thing's from the big men. 


Projected Lineups
PG- Rowen Brumbaugh
SG- Asher Woods
SF- Scotty Middleton
PF- Tyler Ringgold/Percy Daniels
C- Percy Daniels/Davion Bradford

Backups
PG- KJ Greene
SG- Josh "JoJo" Moore
SF- Curtis Williams/Robert Moore
PF- Percy Daniels/Curtis Williams/Robert Moore/Scotty Middleton
C- Davion Bradford/Percy Daniels


Recruiting

Class of 2026- 1 Commit

Tobias Brinkley (CG/SF) 6-6/180- 4 star on ESPN and 7th best prospect in Georgia. 

SR: (Good court vision and great passer. Versatility allows him to create separation and scoring opportunities for himself and other teammates, a true offensive threat. Relentless, hustles and a smart player. Brinkley shows the size and skill at the shooting guard and small forward position)

Class of 2026 Recruits

Gregory “Pops” Dunson-PG- 6-0/185. 3 Star/88

Javonte Floyd-C- 6-9/220. 3 Star/88

Collin Ross-PF- 6-9/200. 4 Star/90. Currently committed to VCU

Tyshawn Duncan-C- 6-8/215. 4 Star/90 Currently committed to Louisiana 

Harris Reynolds-SG- 6-4/170. 4 Star/90. Visiting several schools Tulane not listed

Joseph Hartman-PG- 6-6/193. 4 Star/90. Currently committed to Michigan

Julian Washington-CG- 6-4/180. Final four Cincinnati, Dayton, FAU, Northern Iowa 

Class of 2027

Evan Toms-C- 6-9/225. Tulane Offer

Ty Shine-G- 6-2. Tulane Offer

Allen Shaw-PG- 5-10/160. Attended Tulane Camp


Class of 28

Christian Clair-CG- 6-1/158.


Schedule

Nov 3, 2025
vs
Samford
8:30 pm

Nov 8, 2025
vs
Texas St.
2:00 pm
Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse

Nov 11, 2025
@
Louisiana
TBA
Cajundome

Nov 14, 2025
vs
New Orleans
7:30 pm
ESP+

Nov 21, 2025
vs
Utah St.
1:00 pm
ESP2
TD Arena

Nov 28, 2025
vs
Nicholls
3:00 pm

Dec 2, 2025
vs
Grambling St.
7:30 pm
Fogelman Arena in Devlin Fieldhouse

Dec 6, 2025
vs
Akron
4:00 pm

Dec 10, 2025
vs
Tougaloo
7:30 pm

Dec 13, 2025
vs
UC San Diego
11:30 pm
Lee's Family Forum

Dec 17, 2025
vs
La. Tech
7:30 pm

Dec 20, 2025
vs
Portland St.
7:30 pm

Dec 31, 2025
@
East Carolina
TBA
Williams Arena at Minges Coliseum

Jan 4, 2026
vs
FAU
TBA

Jan 10, 2026
@
UTSA
TBA

Jan 14, 2026
vs
UAB
TBA

Jan 18, 2026
vs
North Texas
TBA

Jan 21, 2026
@
FAU
TBA

Jan 25, 2026
@
Charlotte
TBA
Dale F. Halton Arena

Jan 28, 2026
vs
South Florida
TBA

Feb 1, 2026
@
Memphis
TBA

Feb 8, 2026
vs
Wichita St.
TBA

Feb 11, 2026
vs
Temple
TBA

Feb 15, 2026
@
UAB
TBA

Feb 18, 2026
@
North Texas
TBA
The Super Pit

Feb 22, 2026
vs
Rice
TBA

Feb 25, 2026
vs
Tulsa
TBA

Mar 1, 2026
@
South Florida
TBA
ESP+

Mar 4, 2026
@
Temple
TBA

Mar 8, 2026
vs
Memphis
TBA


Roll Wave!!

This is Patrick Harkness and you can follow me on X @RollDatWave and @BeInTheKneaux everywhere.


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By Auston Taylor July 8, 2026
 LSU has made it clear that five-star wide receiver Easton Royal remains one of its top priorities in the 2027 recruiting class. Although Royal is currently committed to Texas, LSU has continued to recruit him aggressively. Based on recent recruiting events and public reporting, one factor that could strengthen the Tigers' position is the presence of quarterback commit Peyton "Pop" Houston. While no outcome is guaranteed in recruiting, Houston's relationship with Royal has become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding LSU's 2027 class. According to recruiting coverage from The Opening and reports from And The Valley Shook, Houston and Royal showcased noticeable chemistry while competing together on the national stage. Houston also drew attention by winning the event's longest throw competition with a reported 67-yard throw, further reinforcing why many evaluators consider him one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. In my view, Houston has the potential to become much more than another highly rated offensive commitment. Elite quarterbacks often become magnets for other top recruits, and early signs suggest Houston could have that kind of influence on LSU's 2027 recruiting class. Why Houston Matters in Royal's Recruitment Quarterback and wide receiver relationships have become one of the most influential factors in modern recruiting. Elite receivers aren't simply choosing a school—they're choosing an offense, a coaching staff, and perhaps most importantly, the quarterback who will help maximize their abilities. If Royal ultimately views Houston as LSU's quarterback of the future, it gives the Tigers another compelling selling point. Rather than asking Royal to imagine what the offense could become, LSU can point to chemistry that has already been displayed during national recruiting events. That doesn't guarantee a commitment flip, but it does provide LSU with something tangible that few recruiting pitches can offer: an established connection between two elite prospects. LSU's History Shows Why This Matters LSU's greatest offensive seasons have consistently featured elite quarterbacks throwing to elite receivers. During the Tigers' historic 2019 National Championship season, Joe Burrow captured the Heisman Trophy while throwing to arguably the greatest receiving corps in college football history—Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. That offense rewrote NCAA record books and remains the standard for modern college football offenses. A few years later, history repeated itself. Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy while benefiting from one of the nation's most explosive receiving duos in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Daniels' remarkable development was certainly his own, but LSU's elite receiving talent allowed the offense to reach another level. The lesson is clear: great quarterbacks elevate receivers, but elite receivers also help quarterbacks reach championship-level production. That history gives LSU a compelling message for recruits considering Baton Rouge. Peyton "Pop" Houston's Development Houston's rise as one of Louisiana's premier quarterback prospects is backed by more than recruiting rankings. Evaluators consistently praise his arm strength, touch, ability to extend plays outside the pocket, and willingness to attack defenses vertically. His continued development at Evangel Christian Academy has made him one of the foundation pieces of LSU's 2027 recruiting class. The Bigger Picture If LSU eventually pairs Peyton Houston with Easton Royal, it would represent much more than another recruiting victory. It would signal that LSU landed a quarterback capable of attracting elite talent around him while adding a receiver willing to build alongside that vision. Programs that consistently compete for championships often see recruiting momentum build this way. Elite quarterbacks attract receivers. Elite receivers attract additional offensive talent. Once that cycle begins, recruiting classes can quickly become special. None of this guarantees that Easton Royal will flip his commitment. Texas remains in a strong position, and recruiting decisions can change for countless reasons. However, Houston's emergence gives LSU something every elite program hopes to have: a quarterback capable of becoming the centerpiece of an entire recruiting class. LSU has already witnessed what happens when championship-caliber quarterbacks are paired with elite receivers. Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. If Peyton "Pop" Houston eventually helps bring Easton Royal to Baton Rouge, it could become one of the defining recruiting stories of LSU's 2027 class—and perhaps the first step toward building another explosive Tiger offense.
By Kaden Arkeder July 4, 2026
The tight end room has some fresh blood and they look poised to be more impactful heading into next season. With the new arrivals of Noah Fant and third round draft pick Oscar Delp the offense will have the ability to play more in multiple tight end sets to create mismatches for the defense. Multiple tight end sets should allow the Saints to improve the run game and conversely the play action game. Playing in tight end heavy sets was something they were unable to do more of last year due to injuries and lack of talent at the tight end position. Mainstay and the only returning starting caliber player is Juwan Johnson. Johnson had a good year last year as one of the few reliable targets in the passing game aside from Chris Olave. Johnson is looking to build on a solid year where he had 77 receptions for 889 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. He was a security blanket when Rattler was starting and had quite a few big plays when Shough took over as the starting quarterback. With Shough coming into the season as the presumed starter I expect their connection to be even better next season. Someone hoping to have a better connection with a new QB is Noah Fant. Fant was a first round pick back in 2019 with the Broncos but has never quite lived up to his draft status. Fant will be playing on his third team in three years as he seeks to be a quality rotational piece in the offense and find stability for his career here in New Orleans. Fant should be utilized more in the passing game than in the running game but should be able to hold his own when called upon to do his part on run downs. Fant has been on a statistical decline since his time with Denver as his best receiving season came in at 68/670/4 back in 2021. Although his stats have been declining Fant still has plenty to offer with his athleticism and should produce more given a better opportunity. After Fant in the depth chart should be Oscar Delp who could be the x-factor of the tight end room after being selected in the third round of the draft this year. Delp brings a versatile option to the offense as he can lineup in various spots and handle the rigors of blocking in the run game. Delp’s calling card in college was his elite athleticism which jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. He has the ability to turn a five yard catch into an explosive play with how quickly he can get to top speed. Delp is an adequate, willing blocker where like most new tight ends in the league has room to improve in the blocking area of his game. With his versatility and athleticism I believe Delp will play a pivotal role in the offense this upcoming season. With Delp presumed to round out the depth chart at tight end the remaining tight ends will be competing for spots on the practice squad or spots on another team. This group includes Cody Hardy, Treyton Welch, Moliki Matavao, and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. We’ve seen Welch and Matavao from last season fill in admirably after some injuries but are best served as bench options at this point in time in their development. This group of roster hopefuls should hopefully provide some good competition from one another as we progress through training camp and preseason here shortly. Overall this group has a lot more promise heading into this season as it did last year. By getting younger and more athletic the tight ends will play a more prominent role in Kellen Moore’s offense. Whether it’s Juwan building on last season or Fant having a bounce back year or Delp proving to be revelation, the team is going to have plenty of options to choose from to attack the defense. Exactly what this team needed after not having enough last season.
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