CBS Sports Predicts LSU's College Football Playoff Fate In Lane Kiffin's First Season

CBS Sports revealed its 2026 College Football Playoff predictions on Tuesday, and has LSU making some noise.

The predictions have the Tigers as the No. 11 seed, going 10-2 in Lane Kiffin's first season and winning a first-round road playoff game at Texas Tech before falling to Ohio State in the quarterfinals.

College Football Playoff field projection:
1. Notre Dame
2. Georgia (SEC champion)
3. Ohio State (Big Ten champion)
4. Miami (ACC champion)
5. Texas
6. Texas Tech (Big 12 champion)
7. Indiana
8. Ole Miss
9. Oregon
10 Texas A&M
11. LSU
12. Boise State (Top G6 team)

First-round byes: Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgia, Miami

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No. 11 LSU at No. 6 Texas Tech: Like former LSU coach Brian Kelly predicted, I believe Lane Kiffin has a good shot to finish 10-2 in his first year and sneak into the playoff. With one of the sport's most expensive rosters, Kiffin delivers an early return on investment with a road playoff win. Winner: LSU

No. 11 LSU vs. No. 3 Ohio State: LSU fans will be dreaming big after Lane guided them to not only a playoff berth, but a first-round road win. The fairytale would end against a talented Buckeyes team that is more battle-tested than the version we saw in 2025. Winner: Ohio State

National championship
No. 5 Texas vs. No. 3 Ohio State: A rematch of a terrific Week 2 game that I think Texas wins at home. In Las Vegas, Ohio State gets the better of the Longhorns in a tight rematch. With Arthur Smith running the offense and Matt Patricia manning the defense, I trust Ohio State's coaches and talent more in a big game. The Buckeyes are your 2026 season champions. Winner: Ohio State

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