Langford Welcomes Pair of Newcomers for 2026-27
Nov 12, 2025 | Women's Basketball
NEW ORLEANS – Tulane University head women's basketball coach Ashley Langford has inked a pair of future freshmen who will join the Green Wave program next season. Jae Smith and Kennedy Simpson make up the latest Wave signing class for the 2026-27 campaign.
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Jae Smith is a native of Huntsville, Alabama. The 5-8 guard attends Bob Jones High School and has already scored over 1,000 points in her high school career through just three seasons. Smith was tabbed as Newcomer of the Year in 2023 while also netting a 41-point game. She twice earned all-state honors. She has played both point and shooting guard and led her team to three playoffs wins. Smith intends to major in sports management or finance at Tulane with aspirations of becoming a basketball coach.
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"Jae is an athletic, versatile guard who can play multiple positions and score at all three levels," said Langford. "Her basketball IQ, love for the game, and strong work ethic make her a perfect fit for our culture."
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Kennedy Simpson is a native of Houston, Texas, and attends Summer Creek High School. A 5-8 guard, she is a three-time First-Team All-District selection. Simpson has also garnered multiple all-region honors. As a junior, she was named all-state and received the 21-6A District MVP award. Her team has won back-to-back region titles, and last year she was recognized as the 6A State MVP with her squad winning the state championship. As a freshman, Simpson earned 21-6A Defensive Player of the Year honors. Simpson intends to major in communications and aspires to play pro basketball, go into the media side of sports, or coach.
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"Kennedy is a proven winner and dynamic guard who impacts the game on both ends," said Langford. "Her ability to create for herself and her teammates fits our style of play, and her defensive instincts will make her a great addition to our backcourt."
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The duo are set to join the Green Wave for the 2026-27 campaign. Tulane is 2-1 to begin this season with its next contest coming this Monday, November 17, against No. 5 LSU at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse. The in-state battle will be aired on ESPNU at 6:00 p.m.
TICKETS
Tickets for the football, volleyball and men's and women's basketball campaigns can be purchased by calling 504-861-WAVE (9283), logging on to TulaneTix.com or visiting the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL TULANE ATHLETICS APP
Download the official mobile app of Tulane Athletics. Now, you can stay in touch with the Green Wave anytime and anywhere on your Android or iOS mobile device.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For behind-the-scenes coverage, follow Tulane women's basketball (@GreenWaveWBB) on X, Facebook and Instagram.
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WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, All-Americans, professional athletes, and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.
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Jae Smith is a native of Huntsville, Alabama. The 5-8 guard attends Bob Jones High School and has already scored over 1,000 points in her high school career through just three seasons. Smith was tabbed as Newcomer of the Year in 2023 while also netting a 41-point game. She twice earned all-state honors. She has played both point and shooting guard and led her team to three playoffs wins. Smith intends to major in sports management or finance at Tulane with aspirations of becoming a basketball coach.
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"Jae is an athletic, versatile guard who can play multiple positions and score at all three levels," said Langford. "Her basketball IQ, love for the game, and strong work ethic make her a perfect fit for our culture."
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Kennedy Simpson is a native of Houston, Texas, and attends Summer Creek High School. A 5-8 guard, she is a three-time First-Team All-District selection. Simpson has also garnered multiple all-region honors. As a junior, she was named all-state and received the 21-6A District MVP award. Her team has won back-to-back region titles, and last year she was recognized as the 6A State MVP with her squad winning the state championship. As a freshman, Simpson earned 21-6A Defensive Player of the Year honors. Simpson intends to major in communications and aspires to play pro basketball, go into the media side of sports, or coach.
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"Kennedy is a proven winner and dynamic guard who impacts the game on both ends," said Langford. "Her ability to create for herself and her teammates fits our style of play, and her defensive instincts will make her a great addition to our backcourt."
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The duo are set to join the Green Wave for the 2026-27 campaign. Tulane is 2-1 to begin this season with its next contest coming this Monday, November 17, against No. 5 LSU at Avron B. Fogelman Arena in the Devlin Fieldhouse. The in-state battle will be aired on ESPNU at 6:00 p.m.
TICKETS
Tickets for the football, volleyball and men's and women's basketball campaigns can be purchased by calling 504-861-WAVE (9283), logging on to TulaneTix.com or visiting the ticket office at the James W. Wilson Jr. Center.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL TULANE ATHLETICS APP
Download the official mobile app of Tulane Athletics. Now, you can stay in touch with the Green Wave anytime and anywhere on your Android or iOS mobile device.
FOLLOW ON SOCIAL MEDIA
For behind-the-scenes coverage, follow Tulane women's basketball (@GreenWaveWBB) on X, Facebook and Instagram.
Â
WE ARE NOLA BUILT
Tulane University is located in the city of New Orleans. It is a city built on tradition and resiliency. The lessons Green Wave student-athletes have learned through their connection with this university and city have BUILT doctors, lawyers, business leaders, conference champions, all-conference players, All-Americans, professional athletes, and NCAA tournament teams. The city of New Orleans has shaped us into who we are today. We are One City. We are Tulane. We are NOLA BUILT. Check out our story at NolaBuilt.com.
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