LSU fans are currently in that weird, jittery limbo where the season is over but the news cycle is moving faster than a Brian Thomas Jr. go-route. If you’re asking who does LSU play next week, the short, literal answer for today, January 14, 2026, is: nobody. The Tigers wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a tough 38-35 loss to Houston in the Texas Bowl on December 27. Right now, the "game" isn't being played on the grass of Tiger Stadium or under the lights of an SEC rival’s turf. It’s being played in the transfer portal and the recruiting offices.
Wait. Don't close the tab yet.
While there isn't a kickoff scheduled for next Saturday, the landscape of LSU football just underwent a massive earthquake. If you haven't heard, the Lane Kiffin era has officially begun in Baton Rouge, and the roster he’s building for the 2026 season is already turning heads across the country.
The 2026 Schedule: Mark Your Calendars Now
Even though the next game is months away, the SEC has already dropped the gauntlet for 2026. This isn't your standard schedule. It’s a murderer's row that will test whether Kiffin’s "Portal King" status translates to the Bayou.
The Tigers open the 2026 season on September 5 against Clemson right at home in Death Valley. Think about that atmosphere for a second. Two heavyweights, a new coaching regime, and the deafening roar of 102,000 fans who haven't seen a meaningful snap in nine months.
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Here is how the rest of that 2026 slate looks:
- September 12: Louisiana Tech (Baton Rouge)
- September 19: at Ole Miss (Oxford) — Talk about a storyline: Kiffin returns to the Grove.
- September 26: Texas A&M (Baton Rouge)
- October 3: McNeese State (Baton Rouge)
- October 10: at Kentucky (Lexington)
- October 17: Mississippi State (Baton Rouge)
- October 24: at Auburn (Auburn)
- November 7: Alabama (Baton Rouge)
- November 14: Texas (Baton Rouge) — This is the one everyone is circling.
- November 21: at Tennessee (Knoxville)
- November 28: at Arkansas (Fayetteville)
Honestly, that November stretch is brutal. Hosting Bama and Texas back-to-back before traveling to Rocky Top? That's the kind of schedule that keeps defensive coordinators up at night.
Why the "Offseason Game" Matters More Than Ever
You might be thinking, "I just wanted to know the score of a game." But in the modern SEC, the wins you get in January are the only reason you get wins in October.
This week has been absolute chaos for LSU in the best way possible. Lane Kiffin just landed Husan Longstreet, a five-star quarterback transfer from USC. This comes just days after the Tigers secured Sam Leavitt, the top-rated quarterback in the entire portal.
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LSU currently has the #1 ranked transfer portal class in the nation for 2026.
Think about the quarterback room for a second. You’ve got Longstreet, you’ve got Leavitt, and you’ve got Landen Clark. It’s an embarrassment of riches. Most programs struggle to find one starter; Kiffin is out here collecting them like infinity stones. This is why people are already betting on LSU’s 2026 win totals before the first spring practice has even happened.
Addressing the Rumors and Misconceptions
There’s been a lot of chatter on message boards about why the Tigers aren't playing in a later January bowl or the expanded College Football Playoff.
The reality of the 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. After a hot start—including a massive win over Clemson in August—the Tigers struggled with consistency in the middle of the SEC slate. Losses to Texas A&M and Alabama effectively pushed them out of the playoff conversation, leading to that Texas Bowl appearance.
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Some fans are worried about the "culture fit" of Lane Kiffin. Let’s be real: winning cures everything. If Kiffin puts up 40 points a game and beats Nick Saban's successor, nobody is going to care about his Twitter antics or his sideline persona. The "who does LSU play next week" question will eventually be answered with "a playoff opponent" if this recruiting momentum holds.
What You Should Do While Waiting for Kickoff
Since there’s no game next week, how do you scratch that Tiger football itch?
- Watch the Transfer Portal closely. The window is still active. LSU is reportedly still looking for help on the offensive line, specifically eyeing guys like Jordan Seaton from Colorado.
- Book your hotels for the Texas game. November 14, 2026. Seriously. The Longhorns haven't played in Tiger Stadium since 1953. It will be the most expensive ticket in Baton Rouge history.
- Keep an eye on Basketball. While football is in its "construction phase," the LSU basketball team is in the thick of SEC play. They actually host #17 Arkansas on January 17.
The Tigers are rebuilding, but it’s not a slow-burn rebuild. It’s a high-octane, portal-driven explosion. So, while you won't see them on the field next Saturday, the moves being made right now are going to define the next decade of LSU football.
Next Steps for Fans: Check the official LSU Sports website for spring game ticket releases, which usually happen in late February. If you're planning to travel for the Ole Miss or Tennessee away games, start looking at flights now; those SEC college towns fill up six months in advance.