Nothing beats the buzz in Baton Rouge when the Tigers are about to take the field. Whether you're making the pilgrimage to Death Valley or just trying to figure out if you have time to finish the gumbo before tip-off, the most stressful part of the week is always the same: figuring out exactly when does the lsu game start so you don't miss a single second.
Right now, the focus shifts to the hardcourt as the 2025-26 men's basketball season hits its stride. If you're looking for the immediate answer, the LSU Tigers face off against the Missouri Tigers on Saturday, January 17, 2026. That game is set to start at 2:30 PM CST at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. You can catch it live on the SEC Network.
Upcoming LSU Basketball Game Times
The SEC schedule is a gauntlet, and the times are scattered all over the place to accommodate TV networks. Honestly, it’s a bit of a headache to track. Here is what the next few weeks look like for the men's team:
Following the Missouri game, the Tigers hit the road to Gainesville. They'll play the Florida Gators on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, with a start time of 6:00 PM CST. This one will be on ESPN2, so make sure your subscription is active.
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Then it's a trip to Fayetteville. The game against Arkansas on Saturday, January 24, 2026, is a late one—7:30 PM CST. You’ll find that one back on the SEC Network.
The January slate wraps up back at home. Mississippi State comes to town on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, for a 6:00 PM CST tip-off. Again, the SEC Network is your go-to channel for that matchup.
Football Season: A Look Ahead to 2026
While basketball is the current priority, we all know LSU fans are already thinking about the fall. The 2026 football season is going to be massive, especially with the Lane Kiffin era officially underway.
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The season opener is a heavy-hitter. LSU hosts Clemson on Saturday, September 5, 2026, in Tiger Stadium. While the official kickoff time hasn't been locked in by the networks yet, these high-profile non-conference games almost always land in the primetime slot (6:30 PM or 7:00 PM CST) on ABC or ESPN.
The rest of the 2026 schedule includes some legendary matchups. We’ve got Texas A&M on September 26, Alabama on November 7, and the return of Texas to Tiger Stadium on November 14. Most of these kickoff times are decided 6 to 12 days before the game based on the "flex" scheduling used by the SEC and its broadcast partners.
Why Do LSU Game Times Keep Changing?
It feels like you can't plan a wedding or a grocery trip in Louisiana without checking the TV schedule first. The "when does the lsu game start" question is usually answered by the SEC’s television contracts with Disney (ESPN/ABC).
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Basically, the networks look at the rankings and the "heat" of the matchup. If both teams are in the Top 10, expect a night game. If the Tigers are playing a smaller non-conference opponent, you’re looking at an early afternoon start, likely on SEC Network+ or ESPN+.
Tips for Staying Updated
Don't rely on that magnet schedule from three months ago. Things change.
- Check the LSU Sports Mobile App: This is the most direct way to see real-time changes.
- Follow LSU Athletics on X (Twitter): They usually post the "Game Day" graphic with the time and channel about 48 hours before the event.
- Set a Reminder: Most digital calendars now allow you to "subscribe" to the LSU Tigers schedule so it syncs automatically.
To ensure you never miss a play, always confirm the "when does the lsu game start" details on the Friday before a weekend game, as late-week network shifts—though rare—can happen due to weather or broadcast conflicts. Keep your streaming logins handy for ESPN+ and the SEC Network to cover all your bases.