The 2025 college football season was expected to be the year when the LSU Tigers aimed to return to their first College Football Playoff appearance since 2019.
The Tigers had recorded nine or more wins in three consecutive seasons under head coach Brian Kelly. However, after starting the season with a 5-3 record, the team decided to part ways with him. Ultimately, LSU concluded the year with a 7-6 record and made the significant decision to hire former Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin.
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Lane Kiffin served as the head coach of the Rebels for six seasons, compiling an impressive 55-19 record. During his tenure, he led the team to win double-digit games in four of the last five seasons. Notably, in 2025, he guided Ole Miss to its first College Football Playoff appearance in program history. However, he was unable to coach the team during the playoff, as he had accepted a position at LSU.
LSU Tigers running back Caden Durham (29) rushes for a touchdown.© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(© Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images)
With Kiffin’s arrival, the team secured the top-ranked transfer portal class, led by former Arizona State Sun Devils star quarterback Sam Leavitt. As spring practice begins, FanDuel has released its projections for the upcoming season. The over/under win total for LSU is set at 8.5, which ties them for the third-highest total in the SEC this season.
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LSU’s coaching change immediately reshapes both the expectations and identity of the program heading into the 2026 season. Kiffin’s track record of offensive success and consistent winning seasons at Ole Miss has created optimism that he can quickly elevate the Tigers back into SEC and national contention. The 8.5 win total reflects that confidence, signaling that oddsmakers expect LSU to be competitive despite last season’s inconsistency.
The addition of Leavitt and a top-ranked transfer class further supports the idea that LSU is building for an immediate turnaround. Kiffin’s offensive system has historically maximized quarterback play, and pairing that with an upgraded roster could lead to a more explosive and efficient offense. At the same time, the Tigers will need to show improvement in consistency after a disappointing season last year following a midseason coaching change.
LSU’s 2026 season will be one of the most closely watched in college football as Kiffin begins his tenure in Baton Rouge. Early-season results will likely determine whether the Tigers can exceed expectations and contend for a College Football Playoff spot. LSU is set to open its season in early September against the Clemson Tigers at home, where the program will begin its pursuit of a return to national prominence.
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Related: David Pollack Gives Honest Opinion of Lane Kiffin, LSU
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 18, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
