The Green Wave beat the Wildcats 23-3 in New Orleans’ Yulman Stadium in Week 1 to open the 2025 season.
Sumrall expressed his discontent with Northwestern’s decision after the game:
‘I’m not trying to take a shot, but we requested to wear white jerseys because that’s what that team wore,’ Sumrall told reporters in a postgame news conference. ‘It got denied, that’s their prerogative. But when you disrespect the city of New Orleans, that’s what’s going to happen to you. You’re going to run into a team like this that had a chip on their shoulder. … We might’ve used that for a little motivation to represent the city.
‘Don’t disrespect the City of New Orleans, ever.’
Tulane, the home team on Aug. 30, typically would’ve worn its colored uniforms, as road teams normally wear white. ESPN reported, however, that Tulane’s request was made on Aug. 17, after Northwestern had already set up jerseys and decals for the team in preparation for the travel.
Tulane, viewed as one of the top non-Power Four contenders for the College Football Playoff in 2025, looked the part in Week 1 behind a revamped offense led by BYU transfer Jake Retzlaff. He completed 18 of 31 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown against the Wildcats, also rushing for 113 yards and a score.
Tulane intercepted Northwestern quarterback Preston Stone four times, also forcing and recovering a fumble.