The Charlotte 49ers will look to build on their first victory of the 2026 college football season when they host Tulane on Friday night at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
The 49ers (1-6, 1-2 American Conference) snapped a six-game losing streak with a 38-31 victory at Temple on Oct. 17. Charlotte enjoyed an open date last weekend and now faces a Tulane team trying to recover from a disappointing loss of its own.
The Green Wave (3-4, 1-2 American) fell 42-19 to UTSA on Saturday, dropping below .500 as they enter the second half of their conference schedule.
Both programs enter Friday’s nationally televised matchup looking for momentum in the American Conference standings.
Here is everything to know about Tulane at Charlotte football, including kickoff time, TV/streaming, stat comparisons, series history, what to know and more.
🔄 Last Updated: October 27, 2026 3:20 pm
🏟️ Charlotte vs. Tulane Game Information
Date: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
Kickoff: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Jerry Richardson Stadium, Charlotte, NC
TV: ESPN2
Charlotte record: 1-6 (1-2 American)
Tulane record: 3-4 (1-2 American)
Betting line: Tulane -10.5
Series history: Tulane leads 2-0
Last Time Out
Charlotte 38, Temple 31 (Oct. 17)
Charlotte finally broke through with its first victory against an FBS opponent under second-year head coach Tim Albin, defeating Temple on the road.
Quarterback Conner Harrell accounted for four touchdowns, completing 23 of 31 passes for 281 yards and two scores while adding two rushing touchdowns. Running back Henry Rutledge contributed 123 yards on 17 carries, while Derrick Eley caught six passes for 96 yards and a touchdown.
UTSA 42, Tulane 19 (Oct. 24)
The Green Wave struggled in a home loss to UTSA, turning the ball over six times. Quarterback Trace Johnson completed 24 of 44 passes for 265 yards but threw two interceptions without a touchdown.
Johnnie Daniels provided a bright spot with 104 rushing yards on just eight attempts, including a touchdown.
Series History
Tulane has won both previous meetings against Charlotte, holding the 49ers to just three combined points.
- 2025: Tulane 27, Charlotte 0 (in New Orleans)
- 2024: Tulane 34, Charlotte 3 (in Charlotte)
Charlotte Football vs. Tulane: What to Know
Charlotte is hoping the win over Temple before the bye week is the beginning of an upward surge. The 49ers endured six consecutive defeats to open the season, including lopsided losses to Memphis and North Texas.
But the victory in Philadelphia as a three-touchdown underdog offered signs of progress, particularly from Harrell and the running game led by Henry Rutledge. Charlotte has had nearly two weeks to prepare for Tulane.
The 49ers’ defense remains a major concern. Charlotte is allowing 40.6 points and 465.1 yards per game, ranking near the bottom nationally in both categories. Opponents are averaging 278 passing yards per contest, and the 49ers have struggled to generate turnovers. Charlotte enters Friday with a minus-12 turnover margin – 138th worst in FBS.
Tulane has struggled to stop the run. The Green Wave are surrendering 214 rushing yards per game, one of the worst averages in the FBS. That could present an opportunity for Charlotte’s Henry Rutledge, who is averaging more than six yards per carry this season and is coming off a 123-yard performance against Temple.
Both teams need improvement on third down. Tulane’s defense has allowed opponents to convert 50 percent of their third-down opportunities, while Charlotte is surrendering conversions at a 45.1 percent rate. Sustaining drives could be particularly important for the 49ers as they attempt to keep Tulane’s offense off the field.
Statistical Leaders
Charlotte 49ers
QB Cole Gonzales: 802 passing yards, 3 TD, 7 INT
RB Henry Rutledge: 331 rushing yards, 1 TD
WR Jaden Barnes: 40 receptions, 396 yards
PK Ian Kelly: 20 points (4-of-5 FGs, 8-of-8 PATs)
LB Gavin Willis: 54 tackles (29 solo), 6.0 TFLs,
Tulane Green Wave
QB Kadin Semonza: 804 passing yards, 4 TD, 2 INT
RB Johnnie Daniels: 394 rushing yards, 4 TD
WR Destyn Hill: 26 receptions, 339 yards, 2 TD
PK Cooper Helmke: 35 points (9 FGs, 8 PATs)
LB Dickson Agu: 64 tackles (24 solo)
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