The Tulane Green Wave sits in position to claim the Group of Five’s guaranteed spot in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff field.
Tulane enters conference championship weekend with a 10-2 record. The Green Wave ranks as the highest non-power conference team in the latest CFP rankings at No. 20.
The team has one final opportunity to secure its first College Football Playoff berth in program history.
Tulane’s Current Playoff Status
The Green Wave hasn’t clinched a playoff spot yet. Tulane faces one remaining game in the AAC Championship against 11-1 North Texas on Friday evening.
The Green Wave will host the Mean Green after earning hosting rights based on their No. 24 ranking in last week’s CFP rankings.
Tulane enters as a 2.5-point underdog.
Playoff Scenarios for Tulane
If Tulane Wins the AAC Championship
A victory would secure Tulane’s spot as the fifth conference champion in the playoff field.
The Green Wave would likely earn the No. 12 seed. However, Tulane could potentially receive a higher seed depending on ACC Championship results.
The ACC title game features 7-5 Duke against Virginia. If the Blue Devils defeat Virginia, Duke would finish 8-5. That scenario could prompt the committee to also award a bid to the Sun Belt champion, likely James Madison.
Tulane ranked five spots higher than JMU (No. 25) in the most recent CFP rankings.
If Tulane Loses the AAC Championship
A loss would eliminate the Green Wave from the 2025 College Football Playoff.
Tulane has no realistic chance for an at-large bid, especially with three losses.
