Rivalries are what set college football apart from every other sport. The fans, tradition, passion, and intensity create an atmosphere unlike anything else. But with all the conference realignment over the past two decades, some rivalries have been left behind. However, Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall is pushing for the Green Wave’s in-state battle with the LSU Tigers to make a return.
Tulane’s Jon Sumrall Pushing for Renewed Rivalry With LSU
One of the forgotten rivalries in college football is the one between Tulane and LSU. The two Louisiana programs first met in 1893, a game the Green Wave won 34-0, and they have played 97 more times since.
The rivalry even had a name: the Battle for the Rag. The winner was awarded a satin rag featuring both schools’ logos along with the seal of Louisiana in the center.
The Green Wave & the LSU Tigers have a lengthy history dating back to Tulane’s time in the SEC.
Tulane & LSU play for “The Rag” a very unique satin trophy flag.
The teams have met 98 times with Tulane taking the first victory back in 1893 – the last meeting was 2009, an LSU W. pic.twitter.com/OOmQa7k1kp
— The Get Back Coach (@TheGBCoach) March 17, 2023
Despite the deep and rich history of this rivalry, the schools have not faced each other in 16 years. Their last matchup was in 2009, when LSU won 42-0.
While it has been over a decade and a half since the rivalry was active, Sumrall recently pushed to bring the game back, noting that the tradition, LSU’s brand, and the in-state passion would make it a sellout event.
Tulane head coach Jon Sumrall laid out numerous reasons why the Green Wave should play LSU in football. The Tigers and Wave last met up in 2009. pic.twitter.com/EoMiyiZvl1
— Garland Gillen (@garlandgillen) August 19, 2025
“They’re LSU, you know?” Sumrall said. “It’s kind of a known brand; they’re ranked in the top ten this year already, before the season. It’s an hour and 45 minutes away. Don’t have to get on a plane. There would be a sellout crowd wherever it will be played.”
Sumrall also pointed out that LSU regularly plays other schools in Louisiana, referencing their 2025 matchup against Louisiana Tech. He said it puzzles him why the Battle of the Rag isn’t still being played.
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It would be exciting for the college football world to see Tulane and LSU face off again, even if only as a home-and-home series in the near future. The rivalry is one of the most historic in the sport and would be a major event for the state of Louisiana.
LSU leads the ‘Battle for the Rag’ 69-22-7 all-time, and the teams have met just five times since 2000. Today, LSU is one of the nation’s premier programs, while Tulane consistently ranks among the top Group of Six teams.
If Sumrall’s push to revive the rivalry succeeds, it would be electric to see these two schools meet for the 99th time in history. Given their current standing in college football, the game could have major implications for both programs’ seasons.
