Northwestern and Tulane open the season Saturday with an early kickoff in the south Louisiana heat

Northwestern and Tulane open their 2025 seasons Saturday with a midday kickoff in the south Louisiana summer heat.

These teams haven’t played each other since 1956. The last time Tulane hosted a Big Ten team was in 1955, which was also Northwestern’s last visit to New Orleans. Tulane won both of those meetings and leads the all-time series 3-1.

Northwestern looks to improve on a 4-8 record in 2024, its second season under coach David Braun. Tulane enters its second year under coach Jon Sumrall, who guided the Green Wave to a third straight American Conference championship game appearance. But Tulane ended its 2024 season with three straight losses and has only five starters back.

Northwestern at Tulane

Time/TV: 11 a.m. Saturday, ESPNU
Line: Tulane by 5½

Key stats

Northwestern (2024)

Total offense: 284.4 ypg (130th in FBS)
Passing: 185.9 ypg (111th)
Rushing: 98.5 ypg (122nd)
Scoring: 17.8 ppg (128th)
Total defense: 361.8 ypg (56th)
Passing: 231.8 ypg (89th)
Rushing: 129.9 ypg (37th)
Scoring: 26.3 ppg (81st)

Tulane (2024)

Total offense: 405.0 ypg (52nd in FBS)
Passing: 209.4 ypg (89th)
Rushing: 145.8 ypg (60th)
Scoring: 35.1 ppg (16th)
Total defense: 323.5 ypg (24th in FBS)
Passing: 177.7 ypg (15th)
Rushing:  145.8 ypg (60th)
Scoring: 20.6 ppg (24th)

Last game

Northwestern lost to Illinois 38-28 to finish 2024 at 4-8.
Tulane lost to Florida 33-8 in the Gasparilla Bowl to finish on a three-game skid and at 9-5 overall.

Next game

Northwestern hosts Western Illinois on Sept. 5.
Tulane visits South Alabama on Sept. 6.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/29/northwestern-tulane-football-preview/