Jon Sumrall has a cryptic answer to the question about the starting QB of the Tulane Green Wave

The Tulane Green Wave will begin their 2024 college football season next Thursday against Southeastern Louisiana. For media and fans, the biggest question surrounding the team is who will be the starting quarterback in the opening game.

Many assumed it would be former five-star recruit Ty Thompson. After spending several seasons on the bench at Oregon, Thompson transferred in search of an opportunity for playing time after the Ducks signed Dillon Gabriel.

He was expected to compete with Kai Horton, who is entering his fourth season at Tulane and has made 14 appearances in three seasons. One of those appearances was a start in the Military Bowl to close the 2023 season against Virginia Tech. He was the one Tulane called if Michael Pratt couldn’t play.

Unfortunately, the leader in the locker room right now appears to be redshirt freshman Darian Mensah. He has played the most snaps with the first team during fall camp and practice games, suggesting he will be in the middle of the pack against Southeastern Louisiana.

People want to know what the plan is, but head coach Jon Sumrall is keeping quiet. When asked, he gave a cryptic answer and didn’t reveal anything about what the team is planning for next week.

“You’ll probably find out officially when you show up for the Thursday night game in a week,” he said. “They’re all going to play a role. I’m not going to sit here and make public predictions about when they’re going to play and stuff, but there’s a chance all three could play in the first game.”

Meetings have been held with each quarterback so they know where they stand. He wants them to be prepared whenever their number is called, whether it’s as a starter or as a special package during the game.

Sumrall wants to make sure everyone is on the same page and supports the plan, and avoids any disagreements that could jeopardize team chemistry.

“We could get into a situation where any one of them has to win a game for us at some point,” Sumrall said. “What that will look like? I don’t know. I can’t predict the future. They all have to be prepared for their number to be called. I’ve told all three of them that I believe in them.”

Such a game plan certainly carries some risks. As the great John Madden once said, “When you have two quarterbacks, you have none.”

Well, the Green Wave currently has three, so maybe the old adage doesn’t apply to them. It will be an interesting dynamic to keep an eye on as the season progresses.