Tulane appeared to send a few strong messages Saturday with its impressive season-opening victory against Northwestern.
The Green Wave’s 23-3 roll past their Power-Four visitors was a strong early-season flex in the conversation among the nation’s top Group-of-Five programs as three months of résumé-building begins.
Coach Jon Sumrall provided a stern postgame lesson to “don’t disrespect New Orleans ever” after the Wildcats denied Tulane’s request to wear all-white uniforms as part of the team’s observance of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
And, for high school prospects who started their college game-day travels uptown, the energy and performance of the entire day appeared to send a clear message of Yulman Stadium as a destination they hope to visit again and see as an intriguing option to continue their athletic careers at the next level.
Here were some of the takeaways from the experience from a few visitors, including a local standout already committed to the program and a slew of talented 2027 and 2028 recruits.
****Jackson Williams | 6-2, 180 DB | Archbishop Shaw (2026)
“The game experience was incredible getting to be around most of the coaches one-on-one before the game on the field and at the start. And seeing how fired up and confident they were about this game was amazing. And for them to come out and have a performance like that stood out to me – especially from the DB group. The crazy part about it is (defensive backs coach) J.J. (McCleskey) told me that it was going to happen, and it did.”
Ronald Cash | 6-0, 150 WR | John F. Kennedy (2027)
“Tulane was a great place to be. Their energy was amazing, confidence out the roof. I really enjoyed it — great learning experience.”
Ian Gray | 6-1, 205 LB | Edna Karr (2027)
“Yesterday at Tulane was my first time going to a game as a recruit, and the coaches made me feel at home… Their defense was locked in the whole game, even in pregame.”
Terin Jones | 6-0, 190 DB/ATH | Hammond (2027)
“The Tulane game was great, great hospitality, great energy, great experience, and I will be back at Yulman Stadium against Duke!”
Bryson Phoenix | 6-2, 230 EDGE | Alexandria
“It was awesome. Nothing but great vibes. As soon as you step on the field, you can feel NOLA football in the air. The weight room was bumping with music. The student section was jumping. Talked to all the coaches — super cool people, and they treated me like family. The thing that stood out most to me was the energy and swag the coaches and players play with. It’s different in New Orleans. Overall I really enjoyed it, and I hope to make a few more trips down there.”
Maison Smith | 6-3, 275 DL/OL | University Lab (2027)
“Seeing the community support the team was amazing! What stood out mostly was the energy, seeing the guys run on the field giving 100% effort in warmups but also in the game was great, and also the coaches showing love before the game was amazing. I love Tulane’s playing style and the way they run their offense and defense. I could see myself fitting right in up front on both sides of the ball there.”
Everett Turnage | 6-4, 320 OL | Germantown (Miss.) (2027)
“It was great. I always love coming down to watch them play. The hospitality was amazing, and the football played was even better.”
Andrew Shofstahl | 6-4, 315 OL | St. Paul’s (2028)
“It was really nice. When I arrived there, they signed me in and all, then I got to talk to all the coaches in my position group, some of the NIL coordinators and more. Favorite coaching staff I’ve met so far. They are very real with me and skip the B.S. Game experience was really cool too. The crowd was into it and student section was crazy. I believe in that staff, and they will continue to be winners.”
Jarvis Stevenson | 6-5, 190 WR | John Curtis (2028)
“Amazing atmosphere. They showed a lot of love. I talked with some of the coaches while on the field and reconnected with my (former Patriots) teammate Dagan Bruno. The QB looks good, and the defense was unbelievable in the first half. I enjoyed it.”