So, you're looking for the next time the Tigers take the field. Honestly, being an LSU fan is basically a full-time job. Between the tailgating prep, the recruiting news, and the actual game days, there’s a lot to track. If you've been asking when does LSU football play, you’re likely looking at the upcoming 2026 slate, which was recently solidified by the SEC.
Last season had its share of heart-stoppers and "did that really just happen?" moments. But we’re looking forward now. The 2026 season is going to be a wild ride because of the SEC’s new scheduling rules. They’re forcing everyone to play a Power Four non-conference opponent, and LSU isn't backing down from that.
The 2026 LSU Football Schedule: A Week-by-Week Breakdown
The Tigers kick things off in Death Valley, which is exactly how it should be. Forget those neutral-site openers for a second; there is nothing like a Saturday night in Baton Rouge to start the year.
September 5: Clemson at LSU
This is the big one. A massive non-conference showdown right out of the gate. Clemson is coming to Tiger Stadium. If you don't have chills thinking about that 7:30 PM (likely) kickoff, you might need to check your pulse.
September 12: Louisiana Tech at LSU
A little bit of an in-state flavor here. It's usually a "breather" on paper, but Tech always plays hard when they come to the big house.
September 19: LSU at Ole Miss
The first road trip and it's a doozy. Oxford is always a headache for visiting teams. This is the SEC opener, and it’s going to set the tone for the entire conference run.
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September 26: Texas A&M at LSU
The Aggies come to town early this year. Usually, we see them in November, but the new SEC rotation moved this matchup up. It’ll still be just as heated.
October 3: McNeese at LSU
Basically a homecoming for a lot of kids on that McNeese roster. It’s a good week to get the depth chart some reps before the meat of the schedule hits.
The Mid-Season Grind
Once October hits, the travel schedule gets a bit more intense. You’ve got to love the variety, though.
- October 10: LSU at Kentucky. A trip to Lexington. It’s a different vibe there, but the Wildcats have become a physical thorn in everyone’s side lately.
- October 17: Mississippi State at LSU. Back home for some cowbell-free (hopefully) football.
- October 24: LSU at Auburn. Jordan-Hare Stadium is where dreams go to die. Seriously, weird stuff happens on those plains. LSU will need to be focused.
- October 31: OPEN WEEK. A much-needed Halloween break. No game, just recovery.
The November Gauntlet
This is where seasons are made or broken. If you're wondering when does LSU football play the biggest games of the year, the answer is always November.
November 7: Alabama at LSU
The rivalry. The game. Saban might be gone, but the intensity hasn't moved an inch. This will likely be the most-watched game of the weekend nationally.
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November 14: Texas at LSU
Wait, what? Yeah, you read that right. Texas is in the SEC now, and they are coming to Tiger Stadium in mid-November. This is a massive addition to the home schedule. It’s going to be electric.
November 21: LSU at Tennessee
A trip to Rocky Top. Neyland Stadium is one of the few places that can rival the noise level of Death Valley.
November 28: LSU at Arkansas
The Battle for the Boot. It’s usually cold, usually rainy, and always a physical slugfest to end the regular season.
What Most People Get Wrong About Game Times
A common frustration for fans is not knowing the exact kickoff time until about six to twelve days before the game. You'll see "TBA" on a lot of schedules. That’s because the networks (ABC, ESPN, SEC Network) wait to see which games have the most "juice" before picking their time slots.
Generally, if LSU is playing a big-time opponent like Alabama or Texas, expect a night game. LSU at night is a brand in itself. If it’s an early-season game against a smaller school, you might be looking at an 11:00 AM or 1:00 PM kickoff.
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Honestly, the best way to stay updated is to check the official LSU Sports website or the SEC’s announcement page on Monday mornings during the season.
Key Factors for the 2026 Season
The SEC's move to a nine-game conference schedule is a game-changer. It means fewer "cupcake" games and more high-stakes matchups. Every team has to play everyone else at least once every two years now.
- Strength of Schedule: LSU's 2026 path is objectively one of the hardest in the country. Hosting Clemson, Texas, and Alabama in the same year is a tall order.
- The Travel: Trips to Knoxville, Auburn, and Oxford in one season will test the team's depth and mental toughness.
- The New Playoff Format: Remember, with the expanded 12-team (or potentially larger) playoff, a two-loss or even a three-loss LSU team could still make the big dance if their schedule is this tough.
How to Get Tickets Without Getting Scammed
If you’re planning to attend, don't wait until the week of the game. Especially for Texas or Alabama.
- Season Ticket Holders: They get first dibs, obviously.
- StubHub and SeatGeek: These are the "official" secondary markets, but the fees are killer.
- The Ticket Office: Sometimes, visitor returns happen on the Wednesday before a game. It’s rare, but it’s worth a phone call to the LSU ticket office.
Basically, the 2026 season is shaped to be a historical one for the program. The schedule is loaded, the rivalries are fresh, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
To stay ahead of the curve, you should start looking into your travel arrangements for those away games now. Hotels in Oxford and Knoxville fill up months in advance. Check the current SEC standings and television flex-scheduling updates starting in late August to see if any of those "TBA" times have been locked in for the early weeks.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Sync your calendar: Download the official LSU football schedule to your phone so you get automatic updates on kickoff times.
- Check the Spring Game: LSU typically holds its L-Club Spring Game in mid-to-late April. For 2026, keep an eye on the Saturday around April 18th or 25th for your first look at the new roster.
- Book Lodging: If you plan on going to the Tennessee or Ole Miss road games, book a refundable hotel room now. Oxford and Knoxville are notoriously difficult to find rooms in during game weekends.