NEW ORLEANS – Charlotte closed its 2025 season with a 27-0 loss at Tulane, finishing 1-11 overall and 0-8 in conference play. The 49ers were held scoreless despite forcing turnovers and creating one red zone opportunity in the second quarter.
Tulane scored touchdowns on its first two possessions, both one-yard rushes, and added another short run late in the second quarter following an interception. Charlotte’s best chance to respond came after recovering a fumble at the Tulane 12, but Liam Boyd missed a 25-yard field goal attempt.
The 49ers offense struggled throughout. The team netted minus three rushing yards on 21 attempts. Running back Cameren Smith carried six times for 24 yards, including a 12-yard gain. Thai Baldwin added six yards on one carry, while Rod Gainey Jr. finished with seven carries for four net yards. Quarterback Grayson Loftis lost 24 yards on sacks.
Loftis completed 18 of 25 passes for 140 yards, with his longest completion covering 24 yards. Zach Wilcke went 2 of 3 for three yards. Charlotte’s receiving leaders were Sean Brown with five catches for 49 yards and Javen Nicholas with four receptions for 40 yards. Nicholas also returned a punt 17 yards. E. Jai Mason added two catches for 27 yards, while Miles Burris had one reception for nine yards.
Special teams were heavily involved. Punter Bronson Long kicked nine times for 378 yards, averaging 42 yards per punt with four downed inside the 20. Boyd missed his lone field goal attempt and his only kickoff went out of bounds.
Defensively, Charlotte forced four fumbles and recovered one. Thai Baldwin returned a fumble 33 yards, while Yamil Talib recorded a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. Ja’Qurious Conley and Kadin Schmitz each intercepted passes, though neither turnover led to points. Linebacker Shay Taylor led the defense with 10 tackles, and Reid Williford added seven.
Tulane finished with 463 yards of offense and converted six of 12 third downs. Charlotte managed only two conversions on 13 attempts. The 49ers produced seven first downs compared to Tulane’s 24 and were shut out in their only red zone trip.
With the season now complete, Charlotte turns its attention to the offseason. After finishing 1-11 and struggling to generate consistent offense, the 49ers will need to use the transfer portal to strengthen key positions and rebuild depth across the roster. The program’s ability to add experienced contributors will be critical as it works to reset for 2026.
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