Jon Sumrall Pushes Tulane to “Play Free” Ahead of CFP Rematch

Tulane may have a new man leading the program next year, but Jon Sumrall’s voice is still echoing through the locker room as the Green Wave prepare for the biggest game in school history. Even after accepting the Florida job, Jon Sumrall has stayed closely connected to the team during its miracle run to the College Football Playoff — and he isn’t holding back when it comes to his message.

In a recent conversation with ESPN, Sumrall kept it simple and direct when talking to quarterback Jake Retzlaff and the entire roster.

It’s the kind of advice Tulane needs going into its first-ever CFP appearance. The Green Wave earned the No. 11 seed after winning the American Conference championship and climbing to an 11–2 finish, all while bouncing back from early-season losses to Ole Miss and UTSA. Their reward is a Dec. 20 trip to Oxford and a playoff rematch against an Ole Miss team that embarrassed them 45–10 back in Week 4.

History isn’t on Tulane’s side, either. This will be the 75th meeting between the two programs, a matchup that dates to 1893. Ole Miss rides into the postseason with a 14-game winning streak over the Green Wave and an 11–1 record that earned them the No. 6 seed. The winner will advance to face No. 3 Georgia in the Sugar Bowl on New Year’s Day.

But Tulane insists the mindset is different this time. Instead of feeling the weight of proving themselves, the Green Wave are leaning into their underdog identity. Sumrall is encouraging them to embrace the moment and play loose.

For Tulane, the story is even more emotional because of Jon Sumrall’s long history with the program. As a defensive coordinator, he helped end a decade-long postseason drought by leading the team to the 2013 New Orleans Bowl. As head coach, he pushed the program to new heights, making him the first coach in school history to take Tulane to the College Football Playoff.

Yet the run comes with a twist of irony. While Tulane was closing in on a playoff berth, Florida swooped in with a six-year, $44 million offer to bring Jon Sumrall to Gainesville. Even so, Tulane asked him to stay on through the postseason — and he agreed. Sumrall has been coaching the Green Wave while simultaneously juggling his early responsibilities with the Gators.

Since signing his Florida contract on November 30, he’s been balancing two worlds. Florida fans had been dreaming of Lane Kiffin, and now Jon Sumrall steps into the SEC spotlight with pressure already mounting. The Gators didn’t make the postseason, but he oversaw a strong early signing period for the 2026 class while still preparing Tulane for the AAC title game and the CFP matchup ahead.

“It’s been dizzying at times,” Sumrall admitted. Still, he said he’s grateful that both programs allowed him to finish what he started.

Now, as Tulane heads into its first playoff game in school history, Jon Sumrall’s final message is clear: play free, play fearless, and take advantage of a chance that may never come again.

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