Three Tulane University Football Stars Honored by the American Conference

Tulane Football Shines with Player Recognitions

Tulane’s football team is making headlines again this season with impressive performances on the field. The Green Wave celebrated three players receiving honors from the American Conference after week five of play.

Junior defensive lineman Santana Hopper earned the title of Defensive Player of the Week. He made six tackles, including 1.5 sacks, in Tulane’s 31-14 victory over Tulsa. Hopper’s four tackles for loss is a standout statistic—tied for the best in the conference this season. He played a key role in limiting Tulsa’s rushing yards to just 92.

Alec Clark, a sophomore punter, was named the Special Teams Player of the Week. His performance was critical as he averaged 44.5 yards on eight punts, placing four inside the 11-yard line. Clark currently ranks fourth in the American Conference with an average of 45.6 yards per punt.

Freshman running back Javin Gordon also made waves, landing on the Weekly Honor Roll. He rushed for 78 yards and scored three touchdowns against Tulsa, contributing to the team’s strong offensive showing.

So far this season, Tulane players have received accolades seven times, showcasing the team’s growth and talent.

Season Overview and Historical Context

The Green Wave began the 2025 season with a solid 4-1 record, marking progress over previous years. This is the first time since 1988 that Tulane has won two games against Power 4 opponents in the regular season.

Looking back, Tulane has consistently been a contender in postseason competitions, appearing in its third consecutive bowl game last year. The program now holds a total of 17 bowl appearances with a record of 7-10. The team has also performed well in the American Conference, making the championship game three times in a row.

Coaching Success

Head Coach Jon Sumrall has steered Tulane to a noteworthy 36-10 record over the past four seasons. He has two Sun Belt Conference championships to his name and has gained recognition as a finalist for Coach of the Year honors. This success reflects the team’s evolution on the path to building a competitive program.

Upcoming Matchup

Following a bye week, Tulane will challenge East Carolina on October 9. Fans can catch the game live at Yulman Stadium or tune in on ESPN.

As the team continues to grow and gather accolades, the players and coaches are not just shaping their future but also weaving their stories into the proud tradition of Tulane football.

For the latest updates, check out Tulane Athletics on Twitter and Facebook. Follow the journey of the Green Wave as they aim for more achievements this season.

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