North Texas and Tulane face off in the American championship game for a likely spot in the College Football Playoff.
Both schools are amid seasons that rank among the best in their respective programs’ histories, with the success already culminating in North Texas (11-1, 8-1 American) coach Eric Morris and Tulane (10-2, 8-1 American) coach Jon Sumrall leaving for better jobs. Both coaches are finishing out the season despite leaving for Oklahoma State and Florida, respectively.
Watch the American championship game on Fubo (free trial)
The Mean Green have one of the best offenses in college football, led by a pair of first-year starters. Redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker and true freshman running back Caleb Hawkins have been sensational for North Texas this season, leading an offense that ranks first nationally averaging 46.8 points per game.
Tulane has the pleasure of hosting the matchup, though, with the game being held at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.
USA TODAY is bringing you live updates, scores and highlights from the game. Follow along:
Tulane vs North Texas score
Tulane vs North Texas live updates
This section will be updated.
Tulane scores on fourth down
Tulane goes for it on fourth-and-goal, and Jake Retzlaff scrambles for a 2-yard touchdown to tie the game at 7-7. The score caps off an impressive 16-play, 81-yard drive taking 7:57 off the clock.
Both teams start with long touchdown drives, as North Texas ran 15 plays on its first drive of the game.
North Texas takes early lead
North Texas takes an early 7-0 lead on a Drew Mestemaker 10-yard touchdown pass to Tre Williams III. The Mean Green offense doing what it does best, which is scoring points.
Caleb Hawkins returns
Caleb Hawkins returns for North Texas and gets the ball on his first snap in multiple plays. ESPN broadcast says the team gave him a painkiller on the sidelines.
Caleb Hawkins injury update
North Texas running back Caleb Hawkins exits the game after taking a big hit to the shoulder on his second carry of the game. It would be a huge loss for the Mean Green, as the true freshman has 16 rushing touchdowns in his last four games.
Tulane wins toss, defers to second half
Tulane wins the coin toss and defers to the second half. Here comes the North Texas offense.
Is Jon Sumrall coaching Tulane?
Tulane coach Jon Sumrall also has a new job, as he was hired by Florida on Nov. 30. Sumrall is also finishing out Tulane’s season, similar to Morris.
Is Eric Morris coaching North Texas?
North Texas head coach Eric Morris is finishing out the season with the Mean Green, despite being named the next coach at Oklahoma State on Nov. 25. Morris has already flipped numerous North Texas commits to Oklahoma State, along with a few key staff members.
Jake Retzlaff stats
Tulane quarterback Jake Retzlaff brings a different skill set than Mestemaker, given his rushing ability. Here’s how the first-year transfer from BYU has performed this season.
- Passing: 209 of 334 passing (62.6%) for 2,717 yards with 14 touchdowns to six interceptions
- Rushing: 103 carries for 561 yards (5.4 yards per carry) with 14 touchdowns
Drew Mestemaker stats
Mestemaker leads the nation in passing yards. Here’s a look at his stats in his first season as North Texas’ starter:
- Passing: 271 of 282 passing (70.9%) for 3,835 passing yards with 29 touchdowns to four interceptions
- Rushing: 44 carries for 57 yards for five touchdowns
What time does Tulane vs North Texas start?
- Date: Friday, Dec. 5
- Time: 8 p.m. ET | 7 p.m. CT
- Where: Yulman Stadium (New Orleans)
Tulane vs North Texas will kick off at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. CT) on Friday, Dec. 5, from Yulman Stadium in New Orleans.
What TV channel is Tulane vs North Texas on today?
- TV channel: ABC
- Livestream: Fubo (free trial)
The American championship game between Tulane and North Texas will be broadcast on ABC. Streaming options for the game include Fubo, which carries ABC and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
Tulane vs North Texas predictions
Austin Curtright, USA TODAY Network: North Texas 42, Tulane 38
North Texas gets into another shootout, but its offense the past few weeks has been virtually unstoppable. The Mean Green earn a trip to the CFP after taking down Tulane for its first-ever American title.
Here are other predictions from the USA TODAY Network:
- North Texas 31, Tulane 30 —Jordan Mendoza, USA TODAY Network
- North Texas 37, Tulane 30 — Blake Toppmeyer, USA TODAY Network
Tulane football schedule 2025
Here’s a look at Tulane’s schedule in 2025, including past scores.
- Saturday, Aug. 30: Tulane 23, Northwestern 3
- Saturday, Sept. 6: Tulane 33, South Alabama 31
- Saturday, Sept. 13: Tulane 34, Duke 27
- Saturday, Sept. 20: Mississippi 45, Tulane 10
- Saturday, Sept. 27: Tulane 31, Tulsa 14 *
- BYE
- Thursday, Oct. 9: Tulane 26, East Carolina 19 *
- Saturday, Oct. 18: Tulane 24, Army 17 *
- BYE
- Thursday, Oct. 30: UTSA 48, Tulane 26 *
- Friday, Nov. 7: Tulane 38, Memphis 32 *
- Saturday, Nov. 15: Tulane 35, Florida Atlantic 24 *
- Saturday, Nov. 22: Tulane 37, Temple 13 *
- Saturday, Nov. 29: Tulane 27, Charlotte 0 *
- Friday, Dec. 5: Tulane vs North Texas | ABC, 8 p.m. **
* denotes American Conference game
** denotes American Conference championship game
North Texas football schedule 2025
Here’s a look at North Texas’ schedule in 2025, including past scores.
- Saturday, Aug. 30: North Texas 51, Lamar 0
- Saturday, Sept. 6: North Texas 33, Western Michigan 30 (OT)
- Saturday, Sept. 13: North Texas 59, Washington State 10
- Saturday, Sept. 20: North Texas 45, Army 38 (OT) *
- Saturday, Sept. 27: North Texas 36, South Alabama 22
- BYE
- Friday, Oct. 10: South Florida 63, North Texas 36 *
- Saturday, Oct. 18: North Texas 55, UTSA 17 *
- Friday, Oct. 24: Tulane 54, Charlotte 20 *
- Saturday, Nov. 1: North Texas 31, Navy 17 *
- BYE
- Saturday, Nov. 15: North Texas 53, UAB 24 *
- Saturday, Nov. 22: North Texas 56, Rice 24 *
- Friday, Nov. 28: North Texas 52, Temple 25 *
- Friday, Dec. 5: Tulane vs North Texas | ABC, 8 p.m. **
* denotes American Conference game
** denotes American Conference championship game
