If you’re waking up in Baton Rouge or checking your phone from across the country asking what time does LSU play football today, I have some news that might be a little bit of a letdown.
Today is Thursday, January 15, 2026.
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The Tigers are not playing football today. Honestly, nobody in the FBS is. The college football season for LSU officially wrapped up back on December 27, 2025, with their appearance in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl against Houston.
I know, it's a bummer. But even though the stadium lights are dark at Death Valley right now, the program is actually in the middle of one of the wildest weeks in its recent history. While there isn't a kickoff scheduled for this Thursday, there is a massive amount of "game-speed" action happening behind the scenes that will define how the 2026 season looks.
Why There’s No LSU Game Today
College football follows a very specific rhythm. By mid-January, we are deep into the postseason "dead zone" for actual games. The only game left on the entire national calendar is the College Football Playoff National Championship, which is set for Monday, January 19, 2026, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
LSU isn't in that one. After a season of transition under new leadership—the Lane Kiffin era has officially begun—the Tigers finished their campaign in Houston a few weeks ago.
Usually, when people search for what time does LSU play football today during this time of year, they might be getting the football schedule mixed up with the basketball schedule. If you are looking for Tigers action on the court, the LSU men’s basketball team actually just played Kentucky last night (Wednesday, Jan 14) at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.
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The Post-Season Reality
- Current Status: Off-season (Recruiting and Portal Window).
- Last Game: Dec 27, 2025 (Texas Bowl vs. Houston).
- Next Game: Sep 5, 2026 (Season Opener vs. Clemson).
What’s Actually Happening Today in Baton Rouge?
Just because there isn't a game doesn't mean the team is resting. Today, January 15, is actually a massive day for the program because the NCAA Transfer Portal window is closing tomorrow, January 16.
The activity is frantic.
Just hours ago, LSU picked up a commitment from Oregon transfer tight end Zach Grace. He visited Baton Rouge today and didn't leave without pledging to the Tigers. This is the "game" being played right now. Lane Kiffin is essentially rebuilding the roster in real-time.
In the last 96 hours alone, LSU has completely overhauled its quarterback room. They landed Sam Leavitt and then followed it up with a massive commitment from former five-star Husan Longstreet from USC. If you were looking for a score today, the "score" is that LSU is currently winning the transfer portal battle.
Clearing Up the Confusion: What Time Does LSU Play Football Today?
It’s easy to get turned around with the new 12-team playoff format. In years past, the season was long gone by January 15. Now, because the playoffs stretch further into January, it feels like football should still be on.
But for LSU, the focus has shifted entirely to the 2026 schedule. If you’re trying to plan your future Saturdays, here is what we know about when the Tigers will actually be back on the grass at Tiger Stadium:
- September 5, 2026: The Tigers open the season against Clemson. This is a massive home game that will likely be a night kickoff (Death Valley style), though the official time won't be set until the summer.
- September 12, 2026: Louisiana Tech comes to town.
- September 19, 2026: A huge early-season SEC road test at Ole Miss.
The 2026 schedule is a gauntlet. It includes home games against Alabama (Nov 7) and Texas (Nov 14). So while you can't find a game to watch today, the matchups being set up for the fall are legendary.
Actionable Steps for Tigers Fans Today
Since you can't watch a game today, here is how you can stay locked in with the team during the off-season:
- Monitor the Portal: Follow the final 24 hours of the transfer portal window. With the deadline being January 16, expect more news tonight and tomorrow morning regarding defensive depth.
- Check the Basketball Schedule: If you need a Purple and Gold fix, the men's team plays Missouri this coming Saturday, January 17, at 3:30 PM.
- Look for Spring Game Info: LSU usually holds its L-Club Spring Game in April. Keep an eye out for that date announcement in the coming weeks, as that will be the first time you see the new portal additions in pads.
The quest for a 2026 championship doesn't start in September; it's happening right now in the recruitment offices. You might have come here looking for a kickoff time, but the real "game" today is making sure the roster is ready to take on Clemson in eight months.
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Next Steps for LSU Fans:
Stay tuned to the official LSU Athletics site or reliable local outlets like Tiger Rag for the final portal additions before the window shuts tomorrow. If you're looking to attend the 2026 opener, ticket deposits for the Clemson game are typically processed in the early spring, so check your Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF) status now.