If you’ve been following the chaotic game of musical chairs that is modern college sports, you're probably a little confused. One day a team is in the Pac-12, the next they’re in the ACC, and by the weekend, the whole conference has vanished. It’s a mess. Honestly, keeping track of where the Tulane Green Wave lands in all of this is a full-time job.
So, let's get the big question out of the way immediately. Tulane University is a member of the American Athletic Conference (AAC).
They aren't just "in" it; they’ve become one of the heavyweights of the league. While the big-budget "Power 4" schools usually hog the headlines, Tulane has carved out a massive reputation in the AAC, particularly as we move into the 2026 season. But there is a lot more to the story than just a name on a jersey.
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The AAC Anchor: Why Tulane Stayed Put
There was a moment back in late 2024 when everyone thought Tulane was gone. You might remember the rumors. The Pac-12—or what was left of it—was aggressively courting the "A-4" schools: Memphis, South Florida, UTSA, and Tulane.
It felt like a done deal. People were already talking about New Orleans road trips for West Coast fans. But in a surprising move, Tulane and its peers released a joint statement sticking with the American. Basically, they realized that the travel costs and the instability of a rebuilt Pac-12 didn't outweigh the solid foundation they already had.
By staying in the American Athletic Conference, Tulane remains the "big fish" in their pond. As of early 2026, the league's football rotation is already set. Tulane is looking at home games against Memphis, North Texas, Tulsa, and UTSA. On the road, they’re heading to places like Charlotte and Rice. It’s a stable, competitive home for a program that has seen its fair share of nomadic years.
Not Just a Football School
When people ask "what conference is Tulane in," they’re usually thinking about Saturday afternoons at Yulman Stadium. That makes sense—the football team just came off a 2025 season where they actually made the College Football Playoff (CFP) under Jon Sumrall before he headed off to the Florida Gators.
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But the AAC membership covers almost everything else too:
- Basketball: Both the men’s and women’s programs compete in the AAC. The 2025-26 schedule for men’s hoops is already in full swing, with the conference tournament slated for Birmingham.
- Baseball: Tulane has a storied history in the diamond, and the AAC is actually a sneaky-good baseball conference.
- Tennis & Swimming: These programs are AAC mainstays. In fact, the women’s swim team just landed big-time international talent like Tamara Elekes, specifically to compete for AAC titles in 2026.
Now, there are two weird exceptions you should know about. Not every Green Wave athlete plays in the American. Beach Volleyball and Bowling actually compete in Conference USA. Why? Because the AAC doesn't sponsor those sports. It's a bit of a "geographic marriage of convenience" that keeps those teams from having to travel across the country for every single match.
A History of "Moving Up" (And Out)
You can't really appreciate where Tulane is now without knowing they used to be a charter member of the SEC. Yeah, you read that right. Back in 1933, Tulane was right there with Alabama and LSU. They even won three SEC football titles.
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They eventually left in 1966 to become an independent. It was a move that, in hindsight, most fans still debate over beers at Bruno’s. After decades of bouncing from the Metro Conference to Conference USA, they finally landed in the American in 2014.
The move to the AAC changed everything. It gave them a bigger TV deal with ESPN and put them in a league that actually had a path to the national championship. We saw that play out in 2022 and again in 2025. The "Group of Five" tag might feel like a slight to some, but in the current playoff format, being the best team in the AAC is a golden ticket to the post-season.
What to Watch for in 2026
Looking ahead, the conference identity of Tulane is more secure than it’s been in a decade. While the coaching staff has seen some turnover—with Will Hall stepping into the head coaching role for 2026—the infrastructure is rock solid.
The American has evolved. With teams like SMU leaving for the ACC, the "new" AAC features a lot more Texas and Florida presence. For Tulane, this means better recruiting pipelines and more regional rivalries that fans actually care about. The "Battle for the Bell" against Southern Miss is even back on the non-conference schedule for 2026, which is a huge win for the old-school fans who miss those traditional matchups.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're trying to keep up with the Green Wave this year, here is the most practical way to navigate their conference landscape:
- Check the Streaming Rights: Most AAC games are now behind the ESPN+ paywall or on ESPN2/ESPNU. If you aren't subscribed, you're going to miss half the season.
- Tournament Travel: The 2026 American Men's Basketball Championship is taking place at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. If you're planning a trip, that’s the destination.
- Appreciate the Non-Conference: Because the AAC is stable, Tulane is scheduling more "Power" opponents. Watch for the 2026 matchups against teams like Southern Miss to see how the Green Wave measures up outside of league play.
- Follow the CFP Rankings: Since Tulane is in the AAC, their path to the playoffs depends entirely on being the highest-ranked champion from the non-power conferences. Every conference game is essentially a playoff game.
Tulane isn't just a "New Orleans school" anymore. They are the flagship program of a conference that is fighting to prove it belongs at the top table. Whether they eventually jump to a "Power" league or stay as the kings of the AAC, they’ve finally found a rhythm that works.