The LSU Tigers football schedule for 2026 features 12 regular-season games under new head coach Lane Kiffin, including marquee matchups against Clemson, Alabama, and Texas at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
The season opens Saturday, September 5, 2026, against Clemson and marks the first year of the SEC’s mandatory 9-game conference schedule.
Table of Contents
2026 LSU Football Schedule: Full Game-by-Game Breakdown
The Tigers face a challenging slate that includes 7 home games at Tiger Stadium and 5 road contests across the Southeastern Conference. Lane Kiffin, who replaced Brian Kelly in December 2025, inherits a roster with 40+ transfer portal additions and returns to face his former employer, Ole Miss, on September 19, 2026.
| Date | Opponent | Location | Venue | Conference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday, September 5, 2026 | Clemson | Home | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | Non-conference |
| Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Louisiana Tech | Home | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | Non-conference |
| Saturday, September 19, 2026 | at Ole Miss | Away | Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS | SEC |
| Saturday, September 26, 2026 | Texas A&M | Home | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | SEC |
| Saturday, October 3, 2026 | McNeese State | Home | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | Non-conference |
| Saturday, October 10, 2026 | at Kentucky | Away | Kroger Field, Lexington, KY | SEC |
| Saturday, October 17, 2026 | Mississippi State | Home | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | SEC |
| Saturday, October 24, 2026 | at Auburn | Away | Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL | SEC |
| Saturday, October 31, 2026 | BYE WEEK | — | — | — |
| Saturday, November 7, 2026 | Alabama | Home | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | SEC |
| Saturday, November 14, 2026 | Texas | Home | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | SEC |
| Saturday, November 21, 2026 | at Tennessee | Away | Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | SEC |
| Saturday, November 28, 2026 | at Arkansas | Away | Reynolds Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR | SEC |
LSU Home Games 2026
Tiger Stadium hosts 7 home games during the 2026 season, with a capacity of 102,321, making it the fifth-largest college football stadium nationally. The venue completed a $19.8 million renovation in 2024, featuring new lighting systems, enhanced sound technology, and upgraded video boards totaling 5,624 square feet in the north end zone.
Home Schedule:
- Saturday, September 5, 2026: Clemson
- Saturday, September 12, 2026: Louisiana Tech
- Saturday, September 26, 2026: Texas A&M
- Saturday, October 3, 2026: McNeese State
- Saturday, October 17, 2026: Mississippi State
- Saturday, November 7, 2026: Alabama
- Saturday, November 14, 2026: Texas
LSU Away Games 2026
The Tigers travel for 5 road contests across SEC territory, including returns to hostile environments at Ole Miss, Auburn, and Tennessee.
Road Schedule:
- Saturday, September 19, 2026: at Ole Miss (Oxford, Mississippi)
- Saturday, October 10, 2026: at Kentucky (Lexington, Kentucky)
- Saturday, October 24, 2026: at Auburn (Auburn, Alabama)
- Saturday, November 21, 2026: at Tennessee (Knoxville, Tennessee)
- Saturday, November 28, 2026: at Arkansas (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Key LSU Football Schedule Matchups in 2026
Clemson vs LSU (September 5, 2026)
The season opener features Clemson visiting Tiger Stadium in a rematch of the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship game, which LSU won 42-25. This represents the first meeting between the programs since that title game. LSU leads the all-time series 3-1.
Series Context: The Tigers and Clemson last met on January 13, 2020, when LSU’s offense generated 628 total yards. Lane Kiffin’s Air Raid system replaces Brian Kelly’s pro-style approach, creating uncertainty about offensive identity against Clemson’s defense.
LSU at Ole Miss (September 19, 2026)
Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford, Mississippi, as LSU’s head coach after serving as Ole Miss’s head coach from 2020 to 2024. This marks his first game against his former employer, creating significant narrative weight for the Magnolia Bowl rivalry.
Coaching Context: Kiffin compiled a 35-17 record at Ole Miss, including three consecutive bowl appearances. His departure to LSU triggered substantial roster turnover via the transfer portal, with multiple players following him to Baton Rouge.
Texas vs LSU (November 14, 2026)
The Texas Longhorns visit Tiger Stadium for their first trip to Baton Rouge since 1953, representing 73 years between meetings in Louisiana. This game marks the first conference matchup between LSU and Texas following the Longhorns’ entry into the SEC in 2024.
Historical Series: LSU and Texas are tied 4-4 all-time, with the last meeting occurring in 2019 (Texas won 45-38 in Austin). The 1953 game at Tiger Stadium resulted in a 20-7 LSU victory.
Alabama vs LSU (November 7, 2026)
Alabama travels to Tiger Stadium for the annual rivalry game preserved under the SEC’s new 9-game conference schedule format. This contest represents a critical College Football Playoff positioning game in early November.
Recent Series History: Alabama holds a 55-27-5 advantage in the all-time series. LSU’s most recent victory came in 2019 (46-41 in Tuscaloosa), while Alabama has won the last four meetings by an average margin of 24.8 points.
LSU Football Schedule 2026: Non-Conference Opponents
Louisiana Tech (September 12, 2026)
Louisiana Tech makes the short trip from Ruston, Louisiana, to Baton Rouge for an in-state rivalry matchup. LSU holds a commanding 55-19-2 advantage in the all-time series, with the last meeting in 2021 resulting in a 35-14 Tigers victory.
McNeese State (October 3, 2026)
McNeese State from Lake Charles, Louisiana, provides the final non-conference opponent. LSU leads the series 9-0, with the most recent meeting in 2010 (32-10 LSU victory). This game falls between Kentucky and Mississippi State on the schedule, offering a breather during SEC play.
Non-Conference Schedule Analysis
LSU’s three non-conference games include one Power Four opponent (Clemson) and two in-state programs from the Football Championship Subdivision level. This scheduling approach balances the strength of schedule requirements for College Football Playoff consideration with manageable home attendance opportunities.
SEC Schedule 2026: Conference Opponents for LSU
The 2026 season marks the first year of mandatory 9-game SEC conference schedules following league expansion to 16 teams. LSU faces three permanent SEC opponents annually and six rotating opponents.
LSU Annual SEC Opponents
Three permanent conference opponents appear on LSU’s schedule every season under the new format:
- Arkansas (November 28, 2026, in Fayetteville) – Battle for the Golden Boot trophy
- Texas A&M (September 26, 2026, in Baton Rouge) – Annual rivalry preserved
- Ole Miss (September 19, 202,6 in Oxford) – Magnolia Bowl rivalry
LSU Rotating SEC Opponents 2026
Six rotating conference opponents appear on the 2026 schedule:
- Kentucky (October 10, 2026, in Lexington)
- Mississippi State (October 17, 2026, in Baton Rouge) – First meeting since 2023
- Auburn (October 24, 2026, in Auburn) – Traditional SEC West rivalry
- Alabama (November 7, 2026, in Baton Rouge) – Preserved rivalry game
- Texas (November 14, 2026, in Baton Rouge) – First SEC conference meeting
- Tennessee (November 21, 2026, in Knoxville) – Lane Kiffin’s former employer
SEC Schedule Difficulty Analysis
LSU’s 2026 strength of schedule ranks among the most challenging in college football, featuring road games at Ole Miss, Auburn, and Tennessee within a 6-week span from September 19 to November 21. The November gauntlet of Alabama (home), Texas (home), and Tennessee (away) across three consecutive weeks represents a potential College Football Playoff elimination stretch.
Lane Kiffin Era Begins: LSU Football 2026 Coaching Changes
Lane Kiffin became LSU’s 22nd head coach on December 15, 2025, after Brian Kelly’s firing following a 7-5 regular season. Kiffin’s hiring triggered substantial roster reconstruction via the transfer portal and scheme transformation from pro-style offense to Air Raid principles.
LSU Coaching Staff 2026
Key coordinators joining Kiffin’s staff include:
- Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Weis Jr. (follows Kiffin from Ole Miss)
- Defensive Coordinator: Pete Golding (hired from Ole Miss defensive staff)
Offensive Scheme Transition
Kiffin’s Air Raid system replaces Brian Kelly’s run-first, play-action approach. This transformation emphasizes:
- Tempo increase: Projected 75+ plays per game (up from 65 under Kelly)
- Pass ratio: Expected 60% passing vs. 40% rushing (inverse of Kelly’s 45% passing)
- Personnel deployment: Increased four-receiver sets and reduced two-tight-end packages
Transfer Portal Impact on 2026 Schedule
LSU secured the #1-ranked transfer portal class nationally for the 2026 cycle, adding 42 players while losing 25+ to departures. Notable additions include:
| Position | Player | Previous School | Impact Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quarterback | Sam Leavitt | Arizona State | Projected starter |
| Offensive Tackle | Jordan Seaton | Colorado | Starting left tackle |
| Wide Receiver | Jackson Harris | Tennessee | WR1 projection |
| Edge Rusher | Princewill Umanmielen | Ole Miss | Top-5 portal edge rusher |
| Safety | Ty Benefield | Alabama | Starting free safety |
LSU Football Tickets 2026: How to Attend Games
Tiger Stadium ticket availability varies by opponent, with premium matchups against Clemson, Alabama, and Texas experiencing the highest demand. Season tickets provide guaranteed access to all 7 home games.
LSU Season Tickets 2026
Season ticket packages for 2026 include all home games starting at $495 for upper-level seating and reaching $2,100+ for club-level access. Season ticket holders receive priority access to SEC Championship and College Football Playoff tickets if LSU qualifies.
Single-Game Ticket Availability
Individual game tickets typically release in summer 2026, with pricing structured by opponent:
- Premium tier (Clemson, Alabama, Texas): $125-$350 per seat
- Mid-tier (Texas A&M, Mississippi State): $75-$175 per seat
- Standard tier (Louisiana Tech, McNeese State): $45-$95 per seat
LSU Student Tickets 2026
LSU students access home games through a lottery system administered by LSU Athletics. Student ticket allocation covers approximately 10,000 seats in the north end zone. The lottery typically opens two weeks before each home game.
Tiger Stadium Game Day Experience 2026
Tiger Stadium’s $19.8 million renovation enhances the fan experience for the 2026 season with technological upgrades and improved amenities.
Stadium Enhancements for 2026
Facility improvements completed before the 2026 season include:
- Video boards: Three upgraded displays totaling 5,624 square feet in the north end zone
- Ribbon boards: Seven LED displays providing real-time statistics and replays
- Sound system: Enhanced audio technology increases clarity and volume
- Lighting: New LED field lighting reduces energy consumption
Tailgating at Tiger Stadium
Tailgating begins six hours before kickoff on Saturdays, with prime locations on Nicholson Drive, Skip Bertman Drive, and Victory Hill. Tiger Stadium parking passes range from $40 for perimeter lots to $100+ for premium grass lots adjacent to the stadium.
Baton Rouge Game Day Logistics
Hotels near Tiger Stadium typically require reservations 6-12 months in advance for premium matchups. Properties within 2 miles of the stadium include:
- The Watermark Baton Rouge (0.8 miles)
- L’Auberge Casino & Hotel (1.2 miles)
- Renaissance Baton Rouge Hotel (1.5 miles)
LSU Football TV Schedule 2026: Where to Watch
Television networks and kickoff times for LSU’s 2026 schedule will be announced approximately 12 days before each game, following SEC television selection procedures. The conference partners with ESPN, ABC, SEC Network, and CBS Sports for game broadcasts.
Expected TV Coverage
Network distribution typically follows this pattern for LSU games:
- ABC/ESPN: 4-5 games (Clemson, Alabama, Texas likely)
- SEC Network: 3-4 games (Louisiana Tech, McNeese State, Mississippi State)
- ESPN/ESPN2: 2-3 games (Kentucky, Auburn possibilities)
Streaming LSU Games 2026
Digital streaming options for LSU football include:
- ESPN+: SEC Network games stream via ESPN+ subscription ($10.99/month)
- SEC Network+: Additional content, including coach shows and press conferences
- fuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV: Carry ESPN networks and ABC
LSU Football Radio Network
LSU Sports Radio Network broadcasts all games across Louisiana and neighboring states, with flagship station 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge. Chris Blair handles play-by-play duties, with former LSU quarterback Matt Mauck providing color commentary.
LSU Football Recruiting Class 2026 Impact
Lane Kiffin’s first recruiting class ranks #12 nationally according to 247Sports, featuring two five-star defensive linemen who enroll early for spring practice participation.
Five-Star Signees
Elite prospects headlining the 2026 class:
- Lamar Brown – Defensive End, University Lab (Baton Rouge, LA)
- Rankings: #1 overall prospect nationally (Rivals), 6-foot-4, 285 pounds
- Projection: Immediate rotational contributor at defensive end
- Strengths: Elite athleticism with state championship credentials in shot put and discus
- Richard Anderson – Defensive Tackle, Edna Karr High School (New Orleans, LA)
- Rankings: #1 defensive tackle nationally, 6-foot-4, 340 pounds
- Projection: Early enrollee participating in spring practice 2026
- Strengths: Interior force with exceptional gap penetration
Transfer Portal Class Rankings
LSU’s transfer additions rank #1 nationally with 42 incoming players filling immediate roster needs. Notable transfers and their projected 2026 roles:
| Player | Position | Previous School | 2026 Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Leavitt | QB | Arizona State | Starting quarterback |
| Jordan Seaton | OT | Colorado | Starting left tackle |
| Jackson Harris | WR | Tennessee | Primary receiver |
| Princewill Umanmielen | EDGE | Ole Miss | Starting defensive end |
| Ty Benefield | S | Alabama | Starting free safety |
College Football Playoff Implications for LSU 2026
The 2026 season operates under the 12-team College Football Playoff format, with automatic bids for the four highest-ranked conference champions and eight at-large selections. LSU’s challenging schedule provides multiple opportunities for resume-building victories.
CFP Qualification Scenarios
Path to playoff selection for LSU requires:
- SEC Championship appearance: Winning the SEC West division (no longer exists under the new format) or finishing top-2 in conference standings
- Win total threshold: 10+ wins likely guarantee playoff consideration; 9-3 record requires strength of schedule evaluation
- Key victories: Wins over Clemson, Alabama, and Texas significantly boost CFP resume
LSU Strength of Schedule 2026
The Tigers face 7 teams that finished 2025 ranked in the final College Football Playoff rankings:
- Alabama (#4)
- Texas (#7)
- Ole Miss (#12)
- Tennessee (#14)
- Texas A&M (#18)
- Clemson (#21)
- Auburn (#23)
This schedule difficulty ranks #3 nationally according to ESPN’s preseason projections, behind only Georgia (#1) and Ohio State (#2).
LSU Football Schedule 2026: Printable PDF and Calendar
Downloadable schedule formats allow fans to track the 2026 season:
Add LSU Schedule to Digital Calendar
Import options for digital calendars:
- Google Calendar: Visit lsusports.net/schedule and select “Add to Google Calendar.”
- Apple Calendar: Download .ics file from the official LSU Athletics website
- Outlook: Import calendar feed via subscription URL provided by LSU Sports
Printable LSU Football Schedule
Print-friendly formats available through:
- Official LSU Athletics website (lsusports.net) – PDF download
- ESPN college football schedule page – printer-optimized view
- FBSchedules.com – clean layout with date, opponent, and location
Frequently Asked Questions: LSU Football Schedule 2026
When does the LSU football season start in 2026?
LSU’s 2026 season begins Saturday, September 5, 2026, with a home game against Clemson at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Kickoff time will be announced approximately 12 days before the game.
How many home games does LSU have in 2026?
LSU hosts 7 home games at Tiger Stadium during the 2026 regular season: Clemson, Louisiana Tech, Texas A&M, McNeese State, Mississippi State, Alabama, and Texas.
What is LSU’s toughest game in 2026?
Alabama at Tiger Stadium (November 7, 2026) represents LSU’s most challenging matchup based on historical performance and playoff implications. The game occurs during three weeks, including Texas (home) and Tennessee (away).
When does LSU play Texas in 2026?
LSU hosts Texas on Saturday, November 14, 2026, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. This marks Texas’s first visit to Death Valley since 1953 and its first meeting as SEC conference opponents.
Does LSU play Ole Miss in 2026?
LSU travels to Ole Miss on Saturday, September 19, 2026, in Oxford, Mississippi. This game marks Lane Kiffin’s return to his former employer as LSU’s head coach.
What TV channel shows LSU games in 2026?
LSU games will be broadcast on ESPN, ABC, SEC Network, and ESPN2 throughout the 2026 season. Specific network assignments are announced 12 days before each game, following SEC television selection procedures.
How do I buy LSU football tickets for 2026?
LSU football tickets are available through the official LSU Athletics ticket office at lsusports.net/tickets. Season tickets provide access to all 7 home games, while single-game tickets typically release in summer 2026.
When is LSU’s bye week in 2026?
LSU’s bye week occurs Saturday, October 31, 2026, falling between the Auburn road game (October 24) and Alabama home game (November 7).
Who is LSU’s head coach for 2026?
Lane Kiffin serves as LSU’s head coach for the 2026 season after being hired in December 2025. He replaced Brian Kelly, who was fired following a 7-5 regular season in 2025.
What is LSU’s record against Clemson?
LSU leads the all-time series against Clemson 3-1, with the most recent meeting in the 2019 College Football Playoff National Championship (LSU won 42-25). The 2026 game represents their first meeting since that title game.
Note: All dates, opponents, and venues are confirmed by official LSU Athletics sources. Kickoff times and television network assignments will be announced during the 2026 season following SEC television selection procedures. Ticket availability and pricing information reflect standard LSU Athletics policies and may change based on demand.
