Tulane vs Southeastern Week 1 Preview

Patrick Harkness • August 29, 2024

Tulane Week 1 Preview: Southeastern Louisiana vs. Tulane Green Wave

Spread: Tulane -27 

Total: 53.5


Football is back, baby! Tulane kicks off the season opener this Thursday night at 7 PM in Yulman Stadium. There are a lot of questions on my mind that will hopefully be answered, such as: How are our three quarterbacks looking, and how will they perform under pressure? Will we be a run-heavy team with an experienced offensive line? Which receivers will step up and solidify themselves as the top options? How does our new defensive front look, and how many sacks will the defensive line rack up? Can Sam Howard and company step up in place of the injured Jesus Machado? And last but not least, who will emerge from this intriguing, transfer-driven secondary to claim the DB1 and DB2 spots?


Offensive Preview


Quarterback (QB)


Who is QB1? This might be a two-quarterback system until someone steps up and takes control. Mensah, a redshirt freshman with wheels, is the shiny new toy everyone's excited about, but we haven't seen him in action yet. Expect some early mistakes, but what I really want to see is how he handles those mistakes. Can he stay calm, cool, and collected, ready to move on if he fumbles or throws a pick? Let's see if Mensah can stay poised in the pocket, and if nothing’s there, use his legs to make a play without forcing anything into coverage. It’s going to be a handoff-heavy day, but I’d love to see him utilized in some rollout play-action plays. If nothing’s open, tuck it and run. Overall, Mensah has tremendous promise, possessing that 'it' factor, as Jon Sumrall himself has stated. 


Next up is Ty Thompson. This guy has a cannon, and I’ve heard he’s been improving week by week. His accuracy has always been a question mark, but I’m eager to see how he operates this offense. The question is can he step up in the huddle, get the guys going, and be a leader? There’s no doubt he has all the potential in the world; he just needs to show it.


Running Back


What should we expect from this running back room? MAKHI, MAKHI, MAKHI! This guy is a baller and looks ready to pick up right where he left off last season. His running style is reminiscent of Maurice Clarett from Ohio State back in 2002—only faster. Expect a lot of ground-and-pound football in this game. We have three very capable backups: Shadie Clayton-Johnson, who will be the first off the bench and primarily serve as a third-down back/change of pace guy. Look for him to be a receiving threat out of the backfield, especially in the screen game. Arnold Barnes, who had an impressive spring and looks poised to take a significant step forward this year. He's definitely a between-the-tackles, lower-your-shoulder type of runner, perfect for grinding out those tough short yards. Expect him to give Makhi a breather every so often. And last but not least, Trey Cornist, my fellow Ohioan who’s made great strides during the offseason. He’s a bruising type of runner, and while it may be tough for him to see the field, when he does, you can be sure to see him pull a few truck sticks.


Wide Receiver


We’ve got three guys battling for the outside receiver spot: Dante Fleming, Shazz Preston, and Yulkeith Brown—all former transfers. Dante has had a great offseason, and I expect him to line up outside. But don’t blink; this guy has some serious takeoff speed. Hopefully, we’ll see some nice touch passes down the sideline for six from both QBs. Yulkeith Brown is another speedster with great return ability. He stepped up last year when Tulane’s receivers went down with injuries. We need to get the ball in his hands with some space and let him work. Shazz Preston, the former Alabama wideout, has been injured these past few weeks, and it’s unclear if he’ll play, but he’s another exciting piece in this WR room. 


The slot position could be the most exciting one this year. Mario Williams, a former USC transfer, has all the potential in the world. Look for quick passes, screens, or maybe even some jet sweeps out of the backfield. Let the man cook. Multiple players could be backing up Mario or lining up as the fourth slot: Yulkeith, Shazz when he gets healthy, Bryce Bohanon, or Phatt Watts. Bryce is the type of receiver you’d love to see on third downs—great hands and an innate sense of where the sticks are.


Tight End


This is Alex Bauman’s room for the next two years, but keep an eye out for 12 personnel this year while our QB room is still sorting itself out. Reggie Brown has impressed this year and looks to snag some catches away from Bauman. With a young QB, the tight end can quickly become a favorite target, racking up yards and catches. Don’t be surprised if Bauman has some big games early on. Blake Gunter and Josh Goines could also become significant receiving threats if our starters get any bumps or bruises.


Offensive Line


Tulane comes in with one of the most experienced offensive lines in college football this year, featuring Derrick Graham (left tackle), Shadre Hurst (left guard), Vincent Murphy (center), Josh Remetich (right guard), and Rashad Green (right tackle). What should we expect in this first game? Dominance. All five of these guys are more than capable of handling their own in both the run and pass game against this FCS opponent. The true test comes against KState and Oklahoma.


Offensive Review


Expect a lot of ground-and-pound early and often. We shouldn’t have to rely too much on the QBs in this game, but hopefully, we’ll get to see what these guys can do. The offensive playbook may be pretty conservative in this first game, with Kansas State and Oklahoma up next, but down the road, I’d love to see this offense spread out in a lot of 4-5 WR sets when Shazz returns, utilizing these speedy receivers. A heavy dose of ground-and-pound football with play-action should open the field up for the Tulane Green Wave offense.


Defensive Preview


3-3-5 Defense


Bandit/Pass-Rushing Defensive End: 


These guys are lined up on the defensive line edge, standing up with no hand in the dirt. Terrel Allen, last year’s FCS sack leader, will likely get the bulk of the snaps. Expect to see him in the QB’s face a lot this game. I’m looking forward to seeing him match up against FBS-level offensive linemen later in the season. Matthew Fobbs-White will also see some snaps as a rotational piece—a reliable depth player if something happens to Allen.


Defensive End


 Adin Huntington is a beast. If you haven’t seen him, you should Google him. Freak of nature—this dude would eat glass. He transferred from ULM and was in the top 5 in college football for pressures on QBs. Expect more of the same this year. He’s rumored to be dealing with an injury, so we’ll see if he suits up. If not, Angelo Anderson, one of Willie Fritz’s best recruits from five years ago and a native New Orleanian, is a very good depth piece who could come in and start if needed. Desahun Batiste, the former Troy DE, has a lot of potential and will be fun to watch down the road, but he probably won’t see a lot of play this season.


Defensive Line - 3-Tech/Rushing Defensive Tackle


 Pat Jenkins, the star from the Cotton Bowl, and Kam Hamilton will be key pass-rushers in this game. Jenkins will be playing no matter what, but keep an eye on Hamilton to take a leap this year after recording 4 sacks in limited action last season.


Defensive Line - Nose Tackle/Run-Stuffers


Eric Hicks and Adonis Friloux are the big boys clogging up the middle to stop the run. Adonis is looking to bounce back after an injury last year, and Hicks filled in very well in his absence.

Defensive Line Backups: Elijah Champaigne and Parker Peterson. 


Defensive Line Summary 

I know it’s an FCS opponent, but what we all want to see is how this new defensive scheme and front looks. Can they get pressure? Can they get to the QB and either make the sack or force mistakes? The answer should simply be yes. With so much star power and potential on this D-line, expect the QB and RB to be running for their lives.


Linebackers


Sam Howard is one of my favorite transfers. Look for him to step up into a defensive leadership role, given the injuries to Jesus Machado and Tyler Grubbs. Howard is used to playing FCS-level football, so let’s see how he does as the season progresses, but I expect him to thrive in this defense and step up this year. Tyler Grubbs, another local New Orleanian, will be holding down the Will LB spot—basically the outside linebacker. Look for these two guys to rack up tackles this game and all season long. Howard’s backups will likely consist of Makai Williams and Dickson Agu, both of whom could come in and provide quality minutes and have made great strides this offseason. As for Grubbs’s backup, install Chris Rodgers, a former Troy transfer who played safety at Troy, so look for him to excel in pass coverage situations.


Cornerbacks 


Where do we begin? This secondary room got a massive overhaul. Three transfers—Micah Robinson, Jonathan Edwards, and Lu Tillery—will be battling for the CB1 and CB2 spots. But don’t count out the returning players from last year, Rayshawn Pleasant and Jahiem Johnson. Coach has been speaking highly of both of them. Ultimately, it all comes down to who can play mistake-free, smart football at this position. Expect all of these guys to see the field, but Micah and Jonathan should get the bulk of the snaps. Also, keep an eye out for Lu Tillery coming up in the box and rushing—he has that ability and reminds me of Mike Hilton, the current Bengals nickel corner.


Spear/Nickel

 

Caleb Ransaw, the other Troy transfer, is expected to shut down those shifty slot receivers and come up in the box—this guy can hit. He’s already on the NFL’s draft radar and should be a top nickel corner taken. Behind him, we’ve got two true freshmen: Jayden Lewis, the best recruit in Tulane history, and Javion White, who has been getting good reviews from the staff. Let’s see how they do getting some playing time this week and for Jayden more as the season goes on.


Free Safety

 

Jalen Geiger is a coach’s dream in the centerfield spot. He’s a leader, smart, and just an all-around great person. He came over from Kentucky, so he’s got some SEC blood in him. We only have him for a year, but he’s going to be a great teacher to Josh Moore and Jack Tchienchou. Jack flashed in the spring game and is a great depth piece—look for him to be a key part of the defense next year.


Strong Safety


Bailey Despaine, Mr. Reliable, will be holding down this spot. He's a solid defender at the back end of the defense, capable of coming down to fill a gap when needed if a running back slips through. Tulane is fortunate to have two young freshmen backing up both safety positions. Kevin Adams, another young guy, is poised to take the mantle in a couple of years.


Defensive Review


It’s going to be very exciting to see how this defense performs this year. On the D-line, who’s lined up where, and how much pressure can we generate? How will this FCS transfer-driven secondary hold up? Only some of these questions will be answered in the season opener, but we won’t know much until those K-State and Oklahoma matchups! 


Roll Wave! Follow me at @RollDatWave on X, and @BeInTheKneaux everywhere!

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Why Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton RoyalWhy Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton Royal

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.

Tight End Room Outlook: Revamped and Ready To Roll

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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