Check Out Our Predictions for the LSU Football Season in 2026

Before you realize it, football will be back. I am so excited to see what kind of team Lane Kiffin will put on the field for the LSU Tigers. How many games will the Tigers win this year? The new coach has made some pretty significant changes in the program. And Kiffin has also brought in a new coaching team. He’s also been quite successful in the portal signing several key players. But will this lead to big wins this year?

But the ESPN preseason poll projects LSU to finish 4^thin the conference behind Georgia, Texas A&M and Texas.

Yahoo Sports has LSU also in the 4^th spot behind Georgia, Texas and Oklahoma.

LSU is also 4^th in the SEC Media Poll. But this one has Texas at #1 followed by Georgia and Alabama.

What Are the Key Games of the Season?

There are 4 big games on the schedule this year. The opener against Clemson will set the tone for the season. The Ole Miss game is the return of Kiffin to Oxford where he is sure to hear some “boo’s”. The Rebels are coming off a 13-2 record and a finish in the top 3. The Alabama game in November is also a pivotal point in the season. Will the Tigers be in the running for the SEC title? This weekend might determine that. The Texas game is the very next weekend and this is expected to be a huge hurdle for the Tigers.

What Games Will the LSU Tigers Win in 2026?

LSU v Clemson September 5

The season opener at Tiger Stadium against Clemson should be a win for the Bayou Bengals. But our offensive line will have to protect the quarterback. Our defense will have to try to force some turnovers. But the key to the game is to get off to a fast start and score early.

LSU v Louisiana Tech September 12

Game 2 of the season should also be a win for LSU as the Tigers face the Bulldogs. This game could help the team build some momentum before jumping into the SEC pool of play.

LSU v Ole Miss September 19

I am a little worried about this game. Kiffin will be facing a ton of pressure as he returns to his former school in Oxford where he is not going to be welcomed by the hostile crowd. Ole Miss had an incredible season last year and could be hard to stop. The key to this game will be how well the Tigers limit the Rebels high powered offense. I predict LSU will win this game by a touchdown. That will put the team at 3-0 to start the season.

LSU v Texas A&M September 26

I’m expecting another close game in this big rivalry in 2026. LSU must be able to score touchdowns and not rely on field goals to win this game. But I still think the Tigers will win this game.

LSU v McNeese October 3

After starting the season off with a 4-0 record, the Tigers should have no trouble beating McNeese and running the tally to 5-0. I hope the coaches use this game to give some of the backups much needed playing time,

LSU v Kentucky October 10

On the road at Kentucky should not pose a big challenge for the Tigers. LSU's defense will need to step up to keep the Wildcats from getting some big plays. I’m pretty confident this will be another win for LSU.

LSU v Mississippi State October 17

Back at home, LSU hosts Mississippi State in a game where the Tigers should have a clear advantage on the field. If we can get this big SEC win, the team will run the record to 7-0 on the season and be a clear challenger for the SEC title. But we have a couple of tough games on the way.

LSU v Auburn October 24

I really don’t think LSU should have much trouble beating the Auburn Tigers, but Jordan-Hare Stadium is always a tough place for LSU to play. I sure hope we don’t stumble in this game. My radar says we win and move to 8-0 for the season. Fans will be going crazy.

LSU v Alabama November 7

This is when things start to go south. I think the Tigers will lose this fight with Alabama. Part of the problem will be such a great start to the season. The bye weekend is usually a good thing to prepare for a big rival, but I think this might hurt the Tigers. The team will fall to 8-1 after this game.

LSU v Texas November 14

After coming off a tough loss to Alabama, the Tigers will have trouble bouncing back as the Texas Longhorns travel to Tiger Stadium. But this will still be one of the biggest games of the season. Both teams are expected to be contenders for the SEC title. I don’t think LSU can match Texas' physical style of play and we lose this contest.

LSU v Tennessee November 21

LSU will head to Tennessee to get back on track. If the team can protect the football and avoid mistakes, LSU wins this game and runs the record for the season to 9-2.

LSU v Arkansas November 28

The battle for the boot will wrap the season and I think the Tigers get to 10 wins on the season with a victory over the Razorbacks. But the team must stay focused through the 4^th quarter to get this win.

Get our free mobile app

That will put the Tigers at 10-2 on the season and I think we fall a little short of making in into the SEC Championship game. But I still think Kiffin will lead the team to the College Football Playoffs.