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Based on the 2026 schedule, preseason expectations, and the uncertainty that comes with a first season under Lane Kiffin, I think LSU finishes 10-2 (6-2 SEC), earning an at-large spot in the College Football Playoff. The Tigers have enough talent to contend nationally, but the November stretch is one of the toughest in the country. 2?247Sports+1

Week 1: Clemson (Home)

Prediction: LSU 31, Clemson 27 (Win)

Death Valley is electric for Kiffin's debut. Clemson's defense keeps LSU in check early, but the Tigers make a fourth-quarter drive to steal a signature opening-night victory.

Record: 1-0

Week 2: Louisiana Tech (Home)

Prediction: LSU 45, Louisiana Tech 13 (Win)

A comfortable game where LSU rotates backups by the fourth quarter. The rushing attack tops 200 yards.

Record: 2-0

Week 3: at Ole Miss

Prediction: Ole Miss 34, LSU 30 (Loss)

An emotional return for Kiffin to Oxford turns into a shootout. LSU moves the ball well but commits a costly late turnover that decides the game.

Record: 2-1

Week 4: Texas A&M (Home)

Prediction: LSU 28, Texas A&M 24 (Win)

Classic LSU-A&M drama. LSU forces a late three-and-out and milks the clock for a statement SEC win.

Record: 3-1

Week 5: McNeese (Home)

Prediction: LSU 52, McNeese 10 (Win)

Little drama. The offense continues building confidence heading into the heart of conference play.

Record: 4-1

Week 6: at Kentucky

Prediction: LSU 34, Kentucky 20 (Win)

Kentucky hangs around early before LSU's superior athletes take over in the second half.

Record: 5-1

Week 7: Mississippi State (Home)

Prediction: LSU 38, Mississippi State 17 (Win)

Homecoming goes according to plan. LSU dominates the line of scrimmage.

Record: 6-1

Week 8: at Auburn

Prediction: LSU 27, Auburn 23 (Win)

Jordan-Hare produces chaos, but LSU survives after a late defensive stop.

Record: 7-1

Bye Week

LSU enters November ranked inside the Top 10 and firmly in the CFP conversation.

Week 10: Alabama (Home)

Prediction: LSU 30, Alabama 27 (Win)

One of the season's classics. Tiger Stadium delivers another memorable Saturday night as LSU snaps Alabama with a late field goal.

Record: 8-1

Week 11: Texas (Home)

Prediction: Texas 35, LSU 24 (Loss)

Coming off the emotional Alabama win proves too much. Texas' balanced offense controls possession and hands LSU its second loss.

Record: 8-2

Week 12: at Tennessee

Prediction: LSU 31, Tennessee 28 (Win)

A resilient response. LSU wins another high-scoring SEC battle with a clutch fourth-quarter touchdown drive.

Record: 9-2

Week 13: at Arkansas

Prediction: LSU 34, Arkansas 21 (Win)

Arkansas plays inspired football, but LSU's offense proves too explosive.

Final Regular Season Record: 10-2

Season synopsis

Overall: 10-2

SEC: 6-2

Signature wins: Clemson, Alabama, Texas A&M

Losses: Ole Miss, Texas

Playoff outlook: An at-large bid to the 12-team College Football Playoff feels likely with this résumé, especially if Clemson, Alabama, and Texas remain highly ranked. 2?247Sports+1

The official 2026 schedule includes Clemson, Louisiana Tech, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, McNeese, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Auburn, Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, and Arkansas. L?lsusports.net

If LSU finishes 10-2 as I predicted, I think they'd land around the No. 9 seed in the 12-team College Football Playoff. That's in line with several preseason projections that have the Tigers as a lower-seeded at-large team despite having championship-level talent under first-year coach Lane Kiffin. A?Athlon Sports+1

First Round

#9 LSU at #8 Oregon

Prediction: LSU 34, Oregon 30

This becomes Lane Kiffin's signature win. LSU falls behind 17-7 before the offense catches fire. A late interception seals the Tigers' first road playoff victory.

Player of the Game: LSU quarterback throws for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Quarterfinal (Sugar Bowl)

#9 LSU vs. #1 Ohio State

Prediction: LSU 31, Ohio State 28

The upset of the playoffs.

Ohio State enters as the favorite, but LSU's aggressive offense attacks the Buckeyes vertically all night. The Tigers score with under two minutes remaining and the defense forces one final stop.

Tiger Stadium fans essentially turn New Orleans into a home game.

Semifinal (Orange Bowl)

#9 LSU vs. #4 Notre Dame

Prediction: LSU 27, Notre Dame 20

This is a defensive battle. LSU's pass rush dominates in the second half, forcing two turnovers that swing the game.

Kiffin reaches the national championship in his first season at LSU.

National Championship

LSU vs. Georgia

Prediction: Georgia 31, LSU 24

LSU fights for 60 minutes but finally runs into a deeper, more complete roster. Georgia controls the line of scrimmage late and bleeds the clock after taking a fourth-quarter lead.

LSU has one last chance with under a minute remaining, but Georgia records a game-ending sack near midfield.

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Final Season Prediction

Regular Season: 10-2

SEC: 6-2

Playoff Seed: #9

Playoff Record: 3-1

Final Record: 13-3

Finish: National Runner-up

For a first season under Lane Kiffin, that would rank among the best debut coaching campaigns in modern college football. It would also establish LSU as one of the favorites entering the 2027 season.