The concept of “City Edition” uniforms started in the NBA, made its way to the MLB, and now have become a tradition embraced in college football by the Tulane Green Wave.
For the second-straight season, Tulane unveiled City Edition uniforms, and they significantly differ from last year’s release. The 2026 City Edition uniforms are heavily inspired by New Orleans’ Mardi Gras festival, emphasizing the traditional Mardi Gras colors of purple, green, and gold.
The helmet design is hand-painted by artist Armando Villarreal, featuring the “Jester Angry Wave” logo — Tulane’s primary icon wearing a jester hat, which is a popular Mardi Gras symbol. The helmet is kelly green with beads painted throughout, complete with an argyle helmet striping pattern that was prevalent on the team’s early 2000s uniforms. The helmet bumper features a small king cake icon, paying homage to Mardi Gras’ most iconic delicacy.
The jersey is also kelly green. The number font is similar to the font utilized for last year’s City Edition uniforms, except it features a triple drop-shadow of purple, green, and gold. The ‘TULANE’ across the chest is outlined in gold outline, and the collar displays the argyle pattern similar to the helmet stripe.
The pants are quite plain. It’s an all-white design, except the Jester Angry Wave makes another appearance above the right hip.
Tulane named these uniforms “The King of Mardi Gras”, and they will be for their Week 2 home opener against South Alabama on Saturday, Sept. 12. The opponent is particularly fitting, considering South Alabama’s hometown — Mobile, AL — is considered the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States, with its celebrations dating back to 1703.
