The 2021 Tulane Green Wave football team represented Tulane University in the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Green Wave played their home games at Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana, and competed in the American Athletic Conference. They were led by sixth-year head coach Willie Fritz.
Prior to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl in December 2020, offensive coordinator Will Hall accepted the head coaching role at Southern Miss. Chip Long was hired to replace Hall. On December 10, Fritz announced the firing of defensive coordinator Jack Curtis. Chris Hampton was named the new defensive coordinator on December 18.
In March 2021, it was announced that Chris Watt would be the offensive line coach for Tulane.
<small>Listed in the order that they were released</small>
The American Athletic Conference preseason media poll was released at the virtual media day held August 4, 2021. Cincinnati, who finished the 2020 season ranked No. 8 nationally, was tabbed as the preseason favorite in the 2021 preseason media poll.
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Originally scheduled to kickoff at 7:00 p.m. CST but was delayed due to inclement weather.