LSU football game-by-game picks, postseason prediction for 2026 season

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LSU football earned a previous 10-win prediction one year ago when Brian Kelly led the Tigers. But Kelly heads to the broadcast booth this fall after failing to achieve the expectations set out in the Bayou. Now Lane Kiffin replaces the since-fired head coach.

Kiffin’s hire fuels new energy in Louisiana’s Death Valley. But it also attracted a wide range of scrutiny for his arrival. Kiffin departed from an Ole Miss team that clinched a College Football Playoff berth plus joined a traditional SEC rival of the Rebels.

Regardless, LSU lands one of the nation’s most renown college coaches and a proven program winner. Kiffin heads to the Bayou now plastered with a national title-or bust label.

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Time to see if this game-by-game schedule LSU and Kiffin walks into gives both a clear path to an SEC title or CFP appearance.

Week 1 versus Clemson

LSU turned to defense in gutting out the 17-10 win one year ago. But the Tigers turned the ball over more with two compared to Clemson’s one. This game looks like one that Kiffin’s coaching counterpart Dabo Swinney needs to win more, which can catapult him and his program back to relevancy. But this contest is pivotal for Kiffin too…to prove he made the right choice in bolting from Oxford.

Pick: LSU 24, Clemson 16

Week 2 versus Louisiana Tech

Kiffin gets his first battle against an in-state foe. Let alone a Bulldogs team now operating as a Sun Belt Conference representative after years with Conference USA. Louisiana Tech does force takeaways (tied for second nationally with 22 picks). But La. Tech looks unsettled behind center, handing the edge to Kiffin’s crew.

Pick: LSU 45, Louisiana Tech 10

Week 3 at Ole Miss

The SEC is loaded on must-see games. But this one rises as the biggest one of September as Kiffin comes back “home.” This becomes Kiffin’s most scrutinized game yet in his illustrious coaching career. Which could distract him and LSU. Ole Miss reloading with Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy at quarterback and running back, respectively, adds spunk to this contest.

Pick: Ole Miss 30, LSU 27 (overtime)

Week 4 versus Texas A&M

Now comes this biggest home test for the Kiffin-led Tigers as the Aggies come to town. Quarterback play will grab eyeballs and get fans heating up the popcorn, with Sam Leavitt and Marcel Reed leading LSU and TAMU, respectively. Although the former faces a younger Aggies pass rush, which earns him a chance to pick apart this unit.

Pick: LSU 23, Texas A&M 17

Week 5 versus McNeese

This is merely a tune-up game for LSU as it faces a 5-7 team from last season. Plus one that struggled with airing it out by averaging 185.25 yards per game.

Pick: LSU 48, McNeese State 7

Week 6 at Kentucky

This could emerge as a “trap” game for LSU and Kiffin. New Wildcats head coach Will Stein ignited new energy in Lexington and pulling off the upset here can certainly become the “we’ve arrived” moment for this regime. But LSU presents the more talented roster.

Pick: LSU 34, Kentucky 17

Week 7 versus Mississippi State

There’ll be no love lost between the Bulldogs and the now former Ole Miss head coach. But Kiffin continues to dominate this series against Mississippi State head coach Jeff Lebby.

Pick: LSU 42, Mississippi State 21

Week 8 at Auburn

Alex Golesh adds spark to this battle in the plains in taking over the Tigers. Golesh can unleash his physical dual-threat passer Byrum Brown here against a younger LSU defensive line. But Leavitt’s weaponry including the wide receiver transfer trio of Jayce Brown, Eugene Wilson III and Jackson Harris will give Auburn fits.

Pick: LSU 38, Auburn 21

Week 9 versus Alabama

Let’s be honest: LSU versus Alabama would’ve been more fun if Nick Saban still led the Tide. As it would pit Saban against his polarizing former offensive coordinator. But Kalen DeBoer’s presence still makes this contest worth watching. Except Alabama remains with question marks at the quarterback position post Ty Simpson.

Pick: LSU 28, Alabama 24

Week 10 versus Texas

Now the slate gets more daunting for Kiffin and the Tigers. The Longhorns bring quarterback Arch Manning, head coach Steve Sarkisian, and a loaded offensive skill room now featuring the speedy and versatile Raleek Brown out of the backfield. If there’s any home game that sees Kiffin walk off in defeat, it’s this one.

Pick: Texas 37, LSU 30

Week 11 at Tennessee

The Volunteers revamped their struggling defense by luring in past national champion Jim Knowles, who spearheaded Ohio State’s 2024 title run. But head coach Josh Heupel must answer who’ll lead this team at quarterback post Joey Aguilar. LSU looks more settled roster wise compared to the Vols.

Pick: LSU 35, Tennessee 20

Week 12 at Arkansas

New Arkansas head coach Ryan Silverfield gets his first taste of the historic rivalry between LSU and the Razorbacks. Kiffin, though, finally gets his first victory taste in Fayetteville after taking double-digit losses in 2020 and 2022.

Pick: LSU 42, Arkansas 16

Final LSU Prediction Including Playoff Possibility

So Kiffin creates an immediate bowl contender out the gate. Having an experience CFP quarterback in Leavitt boosts the 2026 Tigers. Having star linebacker Whit Weeks’ leadership additionally helps. But a more massive difference for LSU is having Jordan Seaton protecting Leavitt on the blindside and thwarting off the speed on the edge at the SEC. LSU could become the fifth-best SEC team here, but that’s enough to get the Tigers squeaking out a spot in the postseason over Alabama.

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