Tulane Athletics Enjoys Historic Success in Final Learfield Directors’ Cup Rankings
Jul 1, 2026 | General
NEW ORLEANS — Tulane Athletics capped the 2025-26 school year with a strong spring, finishing 97th (204 points) nationally in the final Learfield Directors' Cup standings—its best overall finish in 21 years and the highest among American Conference institutions.
The Cup, awarded annually since 1993-94, recognizes overall athletic excellence based on NCAA Championship results across all sports.
This achievement followed a remarkable fall campaign, which saw the Green Wave tally 137 points en route to the second-highest performance in the department's history. It also ranked second among Group of 6 schools.
The Olive and Blue accumulated 67 points in the spring, with 42 from Outdoor Track and Field and 25 from Beach Volleyball. Notably, Silas Kiptanui recorded a runner-up finish in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, while the Conference USA-champion Beach Volleyball program accounted for the rest with its first appearance at the NCAA Championship in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
"This past year has been a testament to the dedication and resilience of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff," said David Harris, Tulane's Ben Weiner Director of Athletics. "This ranking reflects the incredible progress we're making as a program. We are proud of what we've accomplished and excited about the future of Tulane Athletics."
Tulane received 56 points from football following an 11-3 season that culminated in its second American Conference title and debut in the College Football Playoff. The team finished 18th in the final AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll.
Men's Cross Country, which won the South Central Region Championship and finished 21st at the NCAA meet, contributed 53 points. The season was highlighted by Bernard Cheruiyot becoming the program's first male All-American in cross country, finishing 29th nationally.
Women's Cross Country added 28 points, capturing its second American title in three years and finishing third at the South Central Regional. Blezzin Kimutai qualified for nationals, finishing 108th.
GREEN WAVE CLUB
Giving to the Green Wave Club provides Tulane Athletics with the resources student‑athletes need to excel in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly improves the lives of current and future Green Wave student‑athletes and enhances Tulane's competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. Make a gift today by calling (504) 865‑5356, emailing greenwaveclub@tulane.edu, or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.
The Cup, awarded annually since 1993-94, recognizes overall athletic excellence based on NCAA Championship results across all sports.
This achievement followed a remarkable fall campaign, which saw the Green Wave tally 137 points en route to the second-highest performance in the department's history. It also ranked second among Group of 6 schools.
The Olive and Blue accumulated 67 points in the spring, with 42 from Outdoor Track and Field and 25 from Beach Volleyball. Notably, Silas Kiptanui recorded a runner-up finish in the 3000-meter steeplechase at the NCAA Outdoor Championships, while the Conference USA-champion Beach Volleyball program accounted for the rest with its first appearance at the NCAA Championship in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
"This past year has been a testament to the dedication and resilience of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff," said David Harris, Tulane's Ben Weiner Director of Athletics. "This ranking reflects the incredible progress we're making as a program. We are proud of what we've accomplished and excited about the future of Tulane Athletics."
Tulane received 56 points from football following an 11-3 season that culminated in its second American Conference title and debut in the College Football Playoff. The team finished 18th in the final AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches Poll.
Men's Cross Country, which won the South Central Region Championship and finished 21st at the NCAA meet, contributed 53 points. The season was highlighted by Bernard Cheruiyot becoming the program's first male All-American in cross country, finishing 29th nationally.
Women's Cross Country added 28 points, capturing its second American title in three years and finishing third at the South Central Regional. Blezzin Kimutai qualified for nationals, finishing 108th.
GREEN WAVE CLUB
Giving to the Green Wave Club provides Tulane Athletics with the resources student‑athletes need to excel in competition and in the classroom. Your support directly improves the lives of current and future Green Wave student‑athletes and enhances Tulane's competitiveness in intercollegiate athletics. Make a gift today by calling (504) 865‑5356, emailing greenwaveclub@tulane.edu, or visiting GreenWaveClub.com.
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