Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 11:00 a.m. CT | Bill Snyder Family Stadium | ESPN2
Tulane returns to Manhattan looking to recreate one of the program’s most memorable road victories.
The Green Wave stunned Kansas State 17-10 at Bill Snyder Family Stadium in 2022. Kansas State answered with a 34-27 victory in New Orleans in 2024, continuing a recent pattern in which the visiting team has controlled this matchup.
Tulane enters Saturday at 1-1 under first-year head coach Will Hall. Kansas State is 2-0 and favored by approximately 20 points after dominating its first two opponents at the line of scrimmage.
That is a Wave Win!!#RollWave 🌊 pic.twitter.com/9ncyHF5TR4
— Tulane Football (@GreenWaveFB) September 13, 2026
Tulane’s early-season story
The Green Wave opened with a disappointing 17-3 loss at Duke. Tulane committed 15 penalties, struggled to sustain drives and allowed Duke running back Nate Sheppard to rush for 227 yards.
Tulane responded with a dramatic 28-24 victory over South Alabama, scoring the winning touchdown during the final 90 seconds.
Kadin Semonza provided an immediate lift after taking over at quarterback. He threw for 212 yards and delivered the game-winning touchdown in his first Tulane start.
Running back Jaylin Lucas supplied the explosive element the offense had been missing. The Florida State transfer rushed for an FBS-best 214 yards while averaging 19.5 yards per attempt.
Destyn Hill has emerged as Tulane’s leading receiving threat with 158 yards and one touchdown through two games. His ability to win isolated matchups will be essential against an outstanding Kansas State secondary.
The larger concern is Tulane’s defense. The Green Wave have recorded only one sack, struggled against Duke’s running game and surrendered 296 passing yards to South Alabama.
Why Kansas State is such a difficult matchup
Kansas State has built its 2-0 start around physical line play, an explosive rushing attack and suffocating defense.
The Wildcats are averaging approximately 303.5 rushing yards per game and 7.2 yards per carry. Their rebuilt offensive line has not allowed a sack despite returning no primary starters from last season.
Quarterback Avery Johnson is completing 67.3 percent of his passes and remains a major rushing threat. He is averaging 8.4 yards on his rushing attempts and can punish defenses that lose gap discipline.
Rodney Fields Jr. has produced consecutive 100-yard rushing performances, while Joe Jackson provides another versatile option from the backfield.
Defensively, Kansas State has not allowed an offensive touchdown through two games. The Wildcats held Washington State to 166 total yards in a 34-7 victory, with Washington State’s only touchdown coming on an interception return.
Kansas State is allowing just 47.5 passing yards per game. Opponents have completed only 41 percent of their throws, and their longest completion has gained just 12 yards.
Tulane’s keys to victory
Eliminate the penalties. Tulane cannot repeat the 15-penalty performance from its opener. Kansas State is too disciplined to receive that much free yardage.
Put Kansas State behind schedule. The Green Wave must stop the run on first down and create situations where Johnson has to operate as a traditional drop-back passer.
Give Semonza easy answers. Quick throws, motion, screens and run-pass options can slow Kansas State’s pressure and help Tulane avoid third-and-long.
Create explosive plays. Lucas and Hill are Tulane’s best chances to flip the field. The Green Wave probably cannot produce 12-play scoring drives throughout the afternoon.
Steal a possession. A turnover, blocked kick or major return could give Tulane the short field it needs to keep the game close.
Kansas State’s keys to victory
Test Tulane’s defensive front immediately. Kansas State should make the Green Wave prove they can stop Fields, Jackson and Johnson on the ground.
Keep Semonza uncomfortable. Tulane’s quarterback looked composed against South Alabama, but Kansas State’s coverage and pressure represent a major step up.
Limit Lucas’ explosive runs. Tulane becomes much easier to defend if Lucas is held to short gains and Semonza must carry the offense.
Win the hidden-yardage battle. Field position, penalties and special teams could prevent Tulane from gaining early belief.
Players to watch
Kadin Semonza, Tulane: His decision-making and accuracy will determine whether Tulane can sustain drives against the nation’s top early-season pass defense.
Jaylin Lucas, Tulane: Lucas gives the Green Wave genuine big-play ability as a runner, receiver and return threat.
Destyn Hill, Tulane: Tulane needs Hill to win contested opportunities against Kansas State’s talented secondary.
Avery Johnson, Kansas State: His dual-threat ability forces Tulane to defend every gap and account for the quarterback on every option play.
Rodney Fields Jr., Kansas State: Fields has surpassed 100 yards in both games and could be positioned for another major performance.
Availability watch
Tulane starting running back Jamauri McClure has been dealing with a foot injury, which contributed to Lucas assuming the lead role against South Alabama.
Kansas State lost offensive tackle John Pastore to a season-ending lower-leg injury during preseason camp. The rebuilt line has nevertheless performed extremely well.
Both teams’ final availability updates should be checked before publication and kickoff.
Big Q’s prediction
Tulane has enough offensive speed to produce several big plays, and the Green Wave have already proven they can win in Manhattan.
However, the current matchup strongly favors Kansas State. The Wildcats’ rushing attack attacks Tulane’s biggest defensive weakness, while Kansas State’s secondary could make sustained passing drives extremely difficult.
Prediction: Kansas State 34, Tulane 17