Why is Tulane in the playoff? Explaining 2025 CFP autobid despite No. 20 ranking

Tulane reached 11 wins for the third time in four seasons when it captured a conference title in early December, but a College Football Playoff appearance is a first for the Green Wave.

Because the playoff included only four teams when Tulane won a combined 23 games under Willie Fritz between 2022 and 2023, the Green Wave were unable to compete for a championship. This time, Tulane has a shot — as unlikely as it may be.

Ole Miss stands in Tulane’s way of a trip to the quarterfinals. The Rebels already defeated Jon Sumrall’s team early in the regular season, but with Ole Miss reeling from the Lane Kiffin saga and the Green Wave playing impressive football late in the season, hopes in New Orleans are high for a much better outcome this time.

Here’s a look at how Tulane made the College Football Playoff despite being ranked No. 20 in the final playoff rankings.

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How did Tulane make the playoffs?

The College Football Playoff is made up of 12 teams, but the bracket does not simply include the 12 highest-ranked teams in the nation. Instead, the field consists of the five highest-ranked conference champions and seven at-large bids.

Because there are only four power conferences in this era — the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12 and ACC — the format guarantees at least one Group of 5 conference champion will make it into the playoff each season.

This season, that number was actually two. Not only was Tulane included in the field, but the Sun Belt's James Madison was included over five-loss ACC champion Duke. Tulane was the highest-ranked Group of 5 champion and would have been in the playoff regardless, but Virginia's loss to Duke in the ACC championship allowed the Green Wave to slide up to the 11-seed with James Madison at No. 12.

While Tulane had one more loss than James Madison, the Green Wave picked up wins over Duke and Northwestern, creating a strong body of work for itself that stood out from all other Group of 5 champions. 

The ACC still received a bid after Miami controversially jumped Notre Dame in the final rankings and secured the No. 10 seed, ahead of Group of 5 champions Tulane and James Madison. While the four highest-ranked conference winners were assured of a first-round bye in 2024, that isn't the case in 2025, keeping Tulane at No. 11 rather than No. 4. 

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Tulane football record

Tulane vs. Duke

Tulane can claim a victory over the ACC champions, even if it seemed unlikely at the time that the Blue Devils would get that far. The Green Wave beat their former quarterback, Darian Mensah, in Week 3, jumping out to an early 21-3 lead and leading by 18 until Duke scored 11 points in the final three minutes. QB Jake Retzlaff rushed for 111 yards and four touchdowns in the win, accounting for 356 total yards.

Tulane vs. Northwestern

The Green Wave started their season with a blowout of Northwestern, shutting out the Wildcats over the final three quarters in New Orleans. Retzlaff rushed for 113 yards and a touchdown in his Tulane debut, throwing for 152 yards and a score as well, and the defense held Northwestern in check in all phases of the game, intercepting Preston Stone four times.

Tulane vs. North Texas

Tulane didn't face Drew Mestemaker and North Texas in the regular season, but the Green Wave defense was prepared in the American championship game. Tulane intercepted Mestemaker three times and let its running game do the rest, with Jamauri McClure rushing for 121 yards and a touchdown as Sumrall's squad locked up a playoff berth and handed the Mean Green their second loss of the season.

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College Football Playoff rankings 2025

Tulane was ranked No. 20 in the final College Football Playoff rankings.

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What conference is Tulane in?

Tulane is a member of the American Conference, formerly known as the AAC.

While James Madison made a case to be the top-ranked Group of 5 team in 2025, it was widely assumed during the season that the American champion would send a team to the playoff. Not only did Tulane knock off two power conference teams in non-conference play, but Memphis and USF both picked up wins against SEC opponents, showcasing the American's strength. 

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AAC football standings