The Tulane Green Wave represents Tulane University with a long tradition of excellence in NCAA athletics. Over the decades, Tulane Green Wave football and Tulane Green Wave basketball have achieved notable milestones that shaped the school’s sports identity. From historic conference titles to memorable rivalries, the Green Wave continues to inspire fans and athletes nationwide.
College Sports Established
1905
Location
New Orleans, Louisiana
College Name
Tulane University
Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1921 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA
1907 - 1921 / Athletic Association of the United States
Conference History
2014 - Present / American Athletic Conference
1995 - 2014 / Conference USA
1985 - 1995 - Independent
1975 - 1985 / Metro Conference
1966 - 1975 - Independent
1932 - 1966 / Southwest Conference
Nickname
Green Wave - The Tulane Green Wave is an NCAA Division I college football team that has been a part of the American Athletic Conference since 2014. The Green Wave’s mascot is Riptide, and their colors are olive green and sky blue. But what about the origin of their nickname?
Tulane Green Wave Origin
It all began in 1893 when Tulane University was founded as a private university in New Orleans, Louisiana. At this time, most colleges had nicknames for their teams, such as “Tigers” or “Lions,” but not Tulane; they were known as "The Olive and Blue" after the school's official colors at that time - olive green & sky blue. It wasn't until 1920 that sportswriter Owen Bird coined "Green Wave." He wrote:
“On Saturday afternoon, we will witness one of those great tidal waves which roll up from Lake Pontchartrain to drown every opposing eleven on its way…we shall call it 'the Green wave.' Go ye forth then into battle! And may your efforts be crowned with victory!"
Bird's description perfectly captured how powerful and unstoppable he believed his alma mater would become on game day—like a giant rolling wave crashing over anything in its path! This imagery resonated strongly among students who adopted it quickly, officially making it part of school culture by 1922 after several successful seasons under Coach Bernie Bierman (who led them to three consecutive national championships). From thereon out, The Olive & Blue became synonymous with The Green Wave forever – even though they changed back to using only navy blue uniforms during World War II due to wartime shortages of materials used for sports apparel manufacturing (olive green being difficultly sourced). Today, however, you can still find both colors proudly represented throughout campus grounds – just like they were initially intended many decades ago!
NCAA Championships
Baseball 0
Men's Basketball 0
Women's Basketball 0
Football 0
Soccer 0
- 1999
- 2005
- 2013
- 2019
- 2020
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Spread Offense QB Shaun King Green Wave
After graduating from Gibbs High School in 1995, King played college football at Tulane University from 1995 to 1998, leading Tulane to an undefeated season and a win over Brigham Young University in the Liberty Bowl, in the process setting the single-season NCAA Division I-A record for passing efficiency in 1998 of 183.3. In the same year, he became the ... -
The baseball team reaches the College World Series
In 2005: The baseball team reaches the College World Series for the third time, finishing third. The women’s basketball team reaches the NCAA tournament for the ninth time in ten years, losing to Baylor in the first round. -
Yulman Stadium opens as the new on-campus home for Tulane football
In 2013: Yulman Stadium opens as the new on-campus home for Tulane football, replacing Louisiana Superdome. -
football team wins Armed Forces Bowl
In 2019: The football team wins its second consecutive bowl game, defeating Southern Miss in the Armed Forces Bowl. -
football team wins the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
In 2020: The football team wins its third consecutive bowl game, defeating Nevada in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Tulane Green Wave History
The Tulane Green Wave has been a cornerstone of NCAA Division I athletics since 1893. Representing Tulane University, the program has built a proud tradition of success across multiple sports, particularly in its historic rivalry with the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. From the first conference championship in 1933 to modern accomplishments, the Tulane Green Wave football and Tulane Green Wave basketball programs have continually shaped the university’s athletic legacy.
The Tulane Green Wave football program began in 1893 and captured its first conference title three decades later. Under legendary coach Wally English, the team won four consecutive Liberty Bowls from 1979 to 1982, achievements that secured his induction into both the Tulane Athletics Hall of Fame and the New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame. In 2013, the Green Wave made school history by earning five consecutive bowl eligibility seasons, highlighted by two Conference USA Championships (2013 and 2014). The program has also produced notable NFL players such as Ryan Grant, who enjoyed a long career with Washington.
The Tulane Green Wave basketball program started in the 1905–06 season and truly gained momentum in 1923 under coach Warren Miller. Over his 18 seasons, Miller compiled a 203–110 (.648) record, leading the Green Wave to three NIT appearances and one NCAA Tournament berth. The program has produced professional players such as Jerald Honeycutt, who played a decade with the Sacramento Kings, and John “Hot Rod” Williams, who starred for the Cleveland Cavaliers after the 1985 NBA Draft. Other alumni include David Benoit and Marcus Kinzer, who also advanced to professional basketball careers.
Green Wave Achievements
Today, the Tulane Green Wave continues to excel in multiple sports. The Tulane Green Wave football team remains competitive in the American Athletic Conference, adding more bowl appearances and building on its long history of gridiron success. At the same time, the Tulane Green Wave basketball team continues to strengthen its recruiting and develop standout athletes, aiming for more NCAA Tournament runs in the coming seasons.
Beyond football and basketball, Tulane has also excelled in baseball, track, and other sports, producing numerous All-Americans and conference champions. These achievements show why the Tulane Green Wave remains one of the most respected athletic programs in college sports and why fans proudly support Tulane Green Wave football and Tulane Green Wave basketball year after year.
