STWF SPORTS |CHARLOTTE, N.C. | October 30, 2026 – The Tulane Green Wave delivered one of its most dramatic victories of the season Friday night, overcoming a late fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Charlotte 49ers 38-31 in overtime at Jerry Richardson Stadium.
Trailing by seven points with less than two minutes remaining, Tulane orchestrated a game-tying touchdown drive before backup quarterback Dagan Bruno powered into the end zone in overtime to complete the comeback.
The victory improved Tulane to 4-4 overall and 2-2 in American Conference play, while Charlotte dropped to 1-7 and 1-3 in conference competition.
Green Wave Strikes First Before Charlotte Takes Control
Tulane opened the game with an impressive 15-play, 92-yard touchdown drive, its longest opening possession in two decades.
Running back Johnnie Daniels capped the drive with a two-yard touchdown run, giving the Green Wave an early 7-0 advantage.
Charlotte responded aggressively in the second quarter, capitalizing on consecutive Tulane turnovers.
Khamani Alexander tied the game with a 44-yard touchdown run before Aiden Bui connected on a 48-yard field goal.
Tulane immediately answered when TJ Smith electrified the crowd with a 95-yard kickoff return touchdown, briefly restoring the Green Wave’s lead.
However, Charlotte quarterback Conner Harrell delivered touchdown passes to Jaden Barnes and Derrick Eley, sending the 49ers into halftime with a 24-14 advantage.
Tulane Battles Back in Second Half
The Green Wave began its comeback in the third quarter behind Daniels, who scored his second two-yard rushing touchdown to reduce Charlotte’s lead to 24-21.
Charlotte answered early in the fourth quarter when Eley scored on a fourth-down end-around near the goal line, extending the 49ers’ advantage to 31-21.
Tulane refused to surrender.
Kicker Cooper Helmke connected on a 27-yard field goal with 6:29 remaining, bringing the Green Wave within seven points.
With 1:52 left in regulation, Tulane’s offense faced its defining moment.
Quarterback Trace Johnson calmly guided an eight-play, 61-yard drive, connecting with Cameron Roberts on an 11-yard touchdown pass with just 10 seconds remaining.
Helmke’s extra point tied the contest at 31-31, forcing overtime.
Bruno Delivers Game-Winning Touchdown
After losing the overtime coin toss, Tulane received possession first and methodically advanced toward the goal line.
Facing fourth-and-goal from inside the one-yard line, Bruno executed a quarterback sneak for the go-ahead touchdown.
The Green Wave defense then delivered the final statement.
Charlotte advanced into scoring position but failed to convert a fourth-down pass in the end zone, securing Tulane’s thrilling 38-31 victory.
It marked the program’s first overtime appearance since defeating Houston 27-24 in 2022.
Johnson and Daniels Lead Offensive Production
Johnson completed 28 of 36 passes for 284 yards and a touchdown, directing Tulane’s comeback despite an earlier interception.
Daniels finished with 99 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries.
Destyn Hill contributed six receptions for 51 yards, while Anthony Brown-Stephens added five catches for 49 yards.
Defensively, Dickson Agu led Tulane with 14 tackles, while Kevin Adams III contributed 10 stops.
The Green Wave outgained Charlotte 467-455, including a 284-239 advantage through the air.
STWF Sports Final Takeaway
Tulane’s victory highlighted the importance of resilience, execution, and composure in critical moments.
Despite committing two turnovers and trailing throughout much of the contest, the Green Wave demonstrated its ability to respond when the game was on the line.
Smith’s explosive kickoff return, Roberts’ late touchdown reception, and Bruno’s overtime score provided the defining moments.
For Tulane, Friday’s comeback represents more than another conference victory. It provides renewed momentum and confidence as the Green Wave enters the final stretch of its season.
Tulane returns home Saturday, November 7, to host Tulsa for Homecoming, with kickoff scheduled for 11 a.m.
STWF Sports | NCAA Football Coverage | American Conference
