Urban Meyer labels $15.3 million coach as ‘up-and-comer’ in college football head coach ranking

Jon Sumrall, head coach of Tulane's football team, has propelled the Green Wave to a prominent position in the American Conference and national rankings just two seasons after taking the helm. Sumrall, a former Kentucky linebacker, returned to Tulane in December 2023 after achieving consecutive Sun Belt titles at Troy, boasting a 23-4 record over two seasons. His overall head-coaching record stands at 41-11.

Sumrall's achievements have garnered attention from notable figures such as former college football coach Urban Meyer, who praised him as an emerging talent on "The Triple Option" podcast. Meyer included Sumrall among top coaches alongside Ohio State's Ryan Day, Georgia's Kirby Smart, and Clemson's Dabo Swinney.

Tulane currently holds a 9-2 record and is ranked within the AP Top 25, positioning them for a potential College Football Playoff appearance. The team's success is driven by a strong, turnover-averse offense led by quarterback