The Tulane Green Wave football team has kicked off the 2025 season in electrifying fashion, and all eyes are now fixed on the quarterback room as Head Coach Jon Sumrall faces a pivotal decision ahead of their upcoming clash against South Alabama. After a convincing 23-3 victory over Northwestern, the buzz around campus isn’t just about the win—it’s about the emergence of Jake Retzlaff and the looming return of Brendan Sullivan. The quarterback competition in New Orleans is heating up, and the next chapter is set to unfold under the bright lights of Hancock Whitney Stadium this Saturday.
Jake Retzlaff, a transfer from BYU, wasted no time making his mark in his first start for Tulane. On August 30, 2025, Retzlaff delivered a performance that will be remembered for years to come. He completed 18 of 31 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown while adding 113 rushing yards and another score on just 10 carries. That’s a total of 265 yards of offense—a stat line that speaks volumes about his dual-threat capabilities. His 69-yard dash wasn’t just a highlight-reel moment; it was the third-longest run by a quarterback in Tulane history. Even more impressive, Retzlaff became the first Green Wave quarterback to rush for over 100 yards and a touchdown at home since 1995. Now that’s how you announce your arrival!
Retzlaff’s breakout effort didn’t go unnoticed. On September 2, the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s Manning Award committee named him one of eight quarterbacks as a Star of the Week. The Manning Award, created in 2004 to honor the legendary football family of Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning, is the only quarterback accolade that includes bowl performances in its voting. Since the Manning Award began recognizing Stars of the Week in 2011, a whopping 570 quarterbacks from 135 schools have earned the honor. This week, Retzlaff joins a prestigious group that includes Joey Aguilar (Tennessee), Tommy Castellanos (Florida State), Devon Dampier (Utah), Haynes King (Georgia Tech), Marcel Reed (Texas A&M), Evan Simon (Temple), and AJ Swann (App State). College football fans can even weigh in on social media, with voting for the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week open until Thursday morning.
Yet, for all the accolades, Tulane’s quarterback situation is anything but settled. Head Coach Jon Sumrall made headlines on Tuesday with a candid update: “If he’s [Brendan Sullivan] healthy, I think both guys will play Saturday. I really do.” With those words, Sumrall confirmed what many suspected—the competition for the starting job is still very much alive. Brendan Sullivan, a transfer from Iowa, was once considered the frontrunner during summer camp, bringing Big Ten experience and early promise. However, injuries slowed his progress, opening the door for Retzlaff to seize the moment. Now, as Sullivan works his way back, the Green Wave could be looking at a two-quarterback system for their showdown against South Alabama.
The quarterback carousel isn’t new for Tulane this year. Last season’s starter, Darian Mensah, transferred to Duke, while Kai Horton took his talents to Washington. Even Ty Thompson, who flirted with leaving, ultimately stayed but switched positions to tight end. The result? Sumrall dove into the transfer portal, bringing in four new quarterbacks: Retzlaff from BYU, Sullivan from Iowa, Kadin Semonza from Ball State, and Donovan Leary from Illinois. It’s been a whirlwind, but the depth at the position might just be Tulane’s secret weapon as the season unfolds.
Retzlaff’s debut was more than just a personal triumph—it was historic for the program. The 23-3 win over Northwestern marked Tulane’s first home victory against a Power 4 Conference opponent since 2003, when the Green Wave toppled Mississippi State. Even more staggering, it was their first win over Northwestern since 1956. That’s a long drought to end, and Retzlaff’s poise under pressure played a key role.
The Green Wave’s recent success isn’t limited to this season’s opener. Tulane closed out the 2024 campaign with their third consecutive bowl game appearance, the sixth in the past seven years. With 17 bowl appearances in program history and an all-time bowl record of 7-10, the Green Wave have built a tradition of postseason football. Last year, Tulane also made its third straight American Championship Game, capping a remarkable run that’s seen the team post a 33-10 record over the past three seasons. That win total is tied for the sixth-most in the nation—a testament to the program’s consistency and upward trajectory.
Statistically, Tulane was a juggernaut in 2024. The team led its league in third down conversions (52.5%), defensive touchdowns (6), completion percentage (65.6%), scoring offense (37.2 points per game), and passing efficiency defense (111.65). Nationally, no team scored more defensive touchdowns. Eighteen players earned all-league honors last season, including key 2025 returners: Derrick Graham (First Team – offensive tackle), Shadre Hurst (First Team – offensive guard), Sam Howard (Second Team – linebacker), Bailey Despanie (Second Team – defensive back), and Kameron Hamilton (Third Team – defensive line). That’s a lot of talent coming back to a squad that’s already proven it can win big games.
At the helm, Jon Sumrall has quickly established himself as one of college football’s top coaches. With a 33-9 record over the last four years, two Sun Belt Conference championships, and a pair of double-digit win streaks, Sumrall’s leadership has been instrumental. He’s twice been named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year and was recognized as the Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year. Before returning to Tulane, Sumrall served as the Green Wave’s Co-Defensive Coordinator from 2012 to 2014, helping guide the team to its first postseason appearance in over a decade.
Now, Tulane’s focus shifts to their first road test of 2025: a trip to Mobile, Alabama, to face South Alabama (1-0) on Saturday, September 6, at 6 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+, and with the quarterback situation still in flux, fans are eager to see how the offense will operate. Will Retzlaff continue to dazzle? Will Sullivan’s return spark a new dynamic? Or might both quarterbacks share the spotlight and keep opposing defenses guessing?
What’s certain is that Tulane’s early-season momentum and quarterback intrigue have set the stage for a fascinating campaign. With a history of resilience and a city that rallies around its team, the Green Wave are poised for another memorable run. Saturday’s contest against South Alabama promises to provide more answers—and perhaps a few more surprises—as Tulane’s quarterback saga continues to captivate college football fans.
