Five Tulane players to watch vs Florida in the Gasparilla Bowl.
QB Ty Thompson #7
With starter Darian Mensah entering the transfer portal, Tulane is in a difficult position at quarterback entering the Gasparilla Bowl vs Florida. The Green Wave will turn to Ty Thompson, who plans to enter the portal after the game but has come to an agreement with the coaching staff that allows him to play. It’s a move that makes sense for both sides. Thompson gives Tulane the best chance to win while the bowl game serves as a showcase for the junior quarterback, who is looking to find a new home this offseason. A good performance could spark more interest from teams and perhaps drive up his future NIL deal.
The former top 100 prospect has not gained much valuable experience in college despite playing for four seasons. Thompson played three seasons with Oregon where he participated in just 15 games without making a start. Thompson transferred to Tulane in 2024 where he appeared in 11 games, primarily used as a running threat. The 6’4, 224-pound quarterback has only attempted 11 passes this season but has gained 243 rushing yards with six scores on 40 attempts. Thompson is Tulane’s 2nd highest graded offensive player, granted he’s only seen the field for 103 snaps. Thompson will frequently try to get outside the tackles on designed QB runs and favors running to the left side. We haven’t seen much of anything from Thompson is the passing game, but he’s set to make his first career start as a 4th year junior vs the Gators.
RB Makhi Hughes #21
Running back Makhi Hughes is the player to watch in this matchup as he’s regarded as one of the better running backs in the country. Hughes ran for 1,372 yards and 15 touchdowns while averaging 5.3 yards per carry in 2024. Hughes ranked second in the AAC in the regular season in rushing and third in rushing touchdowns.
The 5’11, 210-pound sophomore has combined for 2,750 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns over the last two seasons. Hughes offensive grade of 90.4 ranks first on Tulane and 7th among running backs in the FBS, according to Pro Football Focus. Hughes is tough to bring down as he averages nearly four yards after contact per attempt. With real question marks at quarterback, look for Tulane to lean on their star running back early and often.
CB Micah Robinson #6
Tulane’s draft eligible cornerback Micah Robinson will compete in the Gasparilla Bowl, per reports. Robinson served as the Green Wave’s top cornerback this season, recording a team high two interceptions and four pass breakups while holding opposing quarterbacks to a passer rating of 53.4 when targeted against. Robinson allowed 22 catches for 246 yards and one touchdown on 46 targets. The 6’0, 184-pound cornerback also grades as Tulane’s best run defender, according to PFF.
WR Mario Williams #4
It’s going to be difficult to predict Tulane having success in the passing game vs Florida, but 4th year receiver Mario Williams is a player to watch after a special 2024 season. The 5’9, 178-pound receiver logged a career high 54 catches for 940 yards and five touchdowns across 13 games. Tulane will line Williams up in the slot and out wide, frequently using him to take the top off opposing defenses. Williams has been targeted 19 times over 20 air yards this season and finds most of his success in the middle of the field.
DT Patrick Jenkins #0
The 6’2, 293-pound defensive tackle has had a strong collegiate career and is playing in the bowl game. Jenkins was named Second Team All-AAC for his efforts in 2022, combining for 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, a forced fumble, four quarterback hurries and a safety.
In 2023, Jenkins set a career high 5.5 sacks with one forced fumble and fumble recovery. This season, Jenkins has 4.5 sacks and two pass deflections while leading Tulane in pressures (23) and QB hurries (16). Jenkins has been a consistent pass rusher on the interior defensive line throughout his career and is a player to watch on Friday.