The Green Wave has been challenged much more during this year's preseason than in the 2014-15 preseason. Instead of playing schools like Nicholls State and Mississippi Valley State, which were seen as games played simply to boost the confidence of last year's team, the 2015-16 team, ranked 59 on the Rating Percentage Index, has faced opponents such as Rutgers (51-75) who holds a rank of 15. Other teams Tulane faced include Green Bay (58-79), who ranks 11, and 68 ranked Virginia (67-62) for their quality of performance against the challengers in their schedule.
Last year, the Green Wave completed the season with positive stats in all arenas of competition.