Tulane begins the Will Hall era with an immediate measuring-stick game against defending ACC champion Duke on Saturday afternoon at Brooks Field at Wallace Wade Stadium.
Sources: Tulane projected starting running back Jamauri McClure (foot) is out for the game at Duke this weekend. McClure was a pre-season All-AAC pick who ran for 540 yards and two touchdowns last year. pic.twitter.com/MYqsUF65Yq
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 4, 2026
The Green Wave and Blue Devils kick off at 2:30 p.m. Central—3:30 p.m. local time in Durham—on ACC Network. It is a rematch of Tulane’s dramatic 34-27 victory in 2025, but both programs enter the new season with different quarterbacks, significant roster turnover and new questions to answer.
Tulane finished last season ranked No. 18 after winning the American Conference and reaching the College Football Playoff. Duke followed its ACC championship with a bowl victory. This is not a ceremonial opener for either side; it is an early credibility game between two programs trying to prove their recent success can survive major change.
Here are the five keys to a Green Wave road victory.
1. Give Zeon Chriss-Gremillion a Manageable Opening Script
Tulane enters the season with Zeon Chriss-Gremillion leading a reconstructed offense. The worst outcome would be placing the new starter in repeated third-and-long situations against a Duke defense built to pressure quarterbacks.
Will Hall should begin with high-percentage throws, movement passes, quarterback-friendly reads and touches that allow Tulane’s athletes to create after the catch. Chriss-Gremillion’s mobility can change the numbers in the running game, but the Green Wave must avoid exposing him to unnecessary punishment.
The objective is rhythm. Complete early passes, force Duke to defend the perimeter and make the Blue Devils reveal how aggressively they plan to pressure.
2. Create a Running Game Without Becoming Predictable
Tulane’s backfield was expected to be a major strength, but reported injury uncertainty surrounding Jamauri McClure increases the importance of depth and creativity. Maurice Turner and dynamic Florida State transfer Jaylin Lucas can still give the Green Wave multiple ways to stress Duke.
Tulane should not simply hammer an unproven offensive line into loaded boxes. Hall can manufacture rushing opportunities with motion, misdirection, quarterback keepers, screens and quick perimeter touches. Lucas is particularly dangerous when the offense creates space rather than asking him to win through congestion.
A credible ground game is essential because it slows Duke’s pressure and keeps Tulane’s defense off the field.
3. Survive the Battle in the Trenches
This is the matchup that could decide the afternoon. Tulane lost important personnel on both lines, while Duke enters with greater overall continuity despite replacing starters on its defensive front.
Offensively, the Green Wave must communicate against pressure and avoid free rushers. Defensively, Tulane cannot allow Duke to control the game with inside runs and long, low-risk drives.
The Green Wave do not need to dominate every snap. They need to prevent the line-of-scrimmage battle from becoming one-sided. Holding Duke near four yards per carry and limiting sacks would keep Tulane in position to win late.
4. Make Walker Eget Play Under Pressure—But Stay Disciplined
Duke will also debut a new starting quarterback in Walker Eget. Tulane should test his communication and timing with disguised coverages, selective pressure and late movement from the secondary.
Safety Jack Tchienchou, a preseason Chuck Bednarik Award watch-list selection, is central to that plan. He must support the run without giving away explosive opportunities behind him. Linebacker Chris Rodgers, who recorded 80 tackles and seven tackles for loss last season, will also be vital in controlling the middle.
Tulane should attack Eget, but constant all-out blitzing would be dangerous behind an unproven defensive line. The smarter plan is to change the picture, make him hold the ball and rally to tackle.
5. Finish the Fourth Quarter
Tulane’s 2025 victory over Duke showed that the Green Wave can compete physically with the Blue Devils. Winning again on the road will require poise after halftime.
Hall’s team cannot waste possessions with penalties, protection breakdowns or special-teams mistakes. Tulane must also turn red-zone opportunities into touchdowns because settling for field goals gives the deeper home team room to take control.
If the Green Wave are within one possession entering the fourth quarter, the pressure shifts toward Duke. Tulane’s experience in close games and Tchienchou’s leadership would give it a genuine opportunity to steal the opener.
Player to Watch
Jaylin Lucas is Tulane’s potential game-breaker. His versatility as a runner, receiver and return threat can create the hidden yards an underdog needs. A single explosive special-teams play or mismatch in space could change the entire game.
Prediction
Tulane has enough skill-position talent and defensive leadership to make this uncomfortable for Duke. The biggest concern is whether the Green Wave’s rebuilt lines can hold up for four quarters on the road.
Tulane will have opportunities, but Duke’s depth and home-field advantage give the Blue Devils a narrow edge unless the Green Wave win the turnover battle.
Prediction: Duke 27, Tulane 23.
That is not a dismissal of Tulane’s chances. If the Green Wave protect Chriss-Gremillion, create explosive touches for Lucas and force Eget into a turnover, an upset is absolutely available.