CBS Sports Reveals College Football Playoff Prediction For LSU

CBS Sports college football writer Brad Crawford revealed his 2026 College Football Playoff predictions on Tuesday and has LSU included in the mix.

His predictions have the Tigers as the No. 9 seed, going 10-2 in Lane Kiffin's first season but losing their first-round matchup at No. 8 Ohio State in Columbus.

Dec. 18, 2026
Ohio Stadium (Columbus, Ohio)
(9) LSU at (8) Ohio State

Winner faces No. 1 seed Miami.

Projected final records for playoff teams
1. Miami (13-0)*
2. Oregon (12-1)*
3. Georgia (12-1)*
4. Notre Dame (11-1)
5. Texas (11-2)
6. Texas Tech (12-1)*
7. Indiana (10-2)
8. Ohio State (10-3)
9. LSU (10-2)
10. BYU (11-2)
11. SMU (11-2)
12. UNLV (12-1)*

*denotes projected conference champion

Crawford's quarterfinals predictions look like this:

(1) Miami vs. (8) Ohio State - Peach Bowl (Atlanta, GA)
(2) Oregon vs. (7) Indiana - Fiesta Bowl (Glendale, AZ)
(3) Georgia vs. (6) Texas Tech - Cotton Bowl (Dallas, TX)
(4) Notre Dame vs. (5) Texas - Rose Bowl (Pasadena, CA)

The semifinal games will be the Orange Bowl and Sugar Bowl.