The 2026 LSU football schedule opens at home against Clemson on September 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The LSU Tigers face 12 regular-season games plus a potential SEC Championship appearance, with classic rivalries including the Magnolia Bowl, Tiger Bowl, and Battle for the Boot.
Tiger Stadium hosts eight home dates on the 2026 LSU football schedule. The toughest stretch lands in early-to-mid November with consecutive home games against ranked Alabama and Texas.
2026 LSU Football Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday | Clemson TigersTiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | 7:30pm ETABC | ||
| Saturday | Louisiana Tech BulldogsTiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | 7:30pm ETSECN+ | ||
| Magnolia Bowl | ||||
| Saturday | at 9 Ole Miss RebelsVaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS | 7:30pm ETABC | ||
| Saturday | 8 Texas A&M AggiesTiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | McNeese CowboysTiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | 7:45pm ETSECN | ||
| Saturday | at Kentucky WildcatsKroger Field, Lexington, KY | 6:00-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | Mississippi State BulldogsTiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | 12:00-1:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Tiger Bowl | ||||
| Saturday | at Auburn TigersJordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, AL | 12:00pm ETABC or ESPN | ||
| Saturday | OFF | |||
| Saturday | 13 Alabama Crimson TideTiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | 5 Texas LonghornsTiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | at 20 Tennessee VolunteersNeyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN | 3:30-8:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Battle for the Boot | ||||
| Saturday | at Arkansas RazorbacksD.W.R. Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR | 12:00-1:00pm ETTV TBA | ||
| Saturday | vs SEC ChampionshipMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 4:00pm ETABC | ||
How the 2026 LSU Football Schedule Sets Up
September opens with two home games and a ranked road test on the 2026 LSU football schedule. Clemson and Louisiana Tech at Tiger Stadium, the Magnolia Bowl at #9 Ole Miss, and #8 Texas A&M at home. That early stretch mixes manageable home dates with two ranked contests.
October brings McNeese at home, a road trip to Kentucky, Mississippi State at home, the Tiger Bowl at Auburn, and the bye week. The rivalry road game at Auburn is a key mid-season measuring stick.
November features #13 Alabama at home, #5 Texas at home, a road trip to #20 Tennessee, and the Battle for the Boot at Arkansas. That final stretch will decide seeding for a possible SEC Championship appearance.
Home Games at Tiger Stadium
Eight home dates appear on the 2026 LSU football schedule:
- September 5 vs. Clemson
- September 12 vs. Louisiana Tech
- September 26 vs. #8 Texas A&M
- October 3 vs. McNeese
- October 17 vs. Mississippi State
- November 7 vs. #13 Alabama
- November 14 vs. #5 Texas
The Clemson, Alabama and Texas games will generate the strongest crowds in Baton Rouge.
The Games That Decide the Season
Three contests stand out on the 2026 LSU football schedule.
The September 19 Magnolia Bowl at #9 Ole Miss is an early SEC measuring stick. The October 24 Tiger Bowl at Auburn is a key rivalry test. The November 7 home date against #13 Alabama will likely decide late-season momentum.
Win two of those three and the Tigers stay in control of their path toward a possible December 5 SEC Championship appearance in Atlanta.
Where to Watch LSU Tigers Football
Confirmed networks on the 2026 LSU football schedule:
- ABC (Sept. 5 vs. Clemson, Sept. 19 at Ole Miss, and Dec. 5 SEC Championship)
- SECN+ (Sept. 12 vs. Louisiana Tech)
- SECN (Oct. 3 vs. McNeese)
- ABC or ESPN (Oct. 24 at Auburn)
Most remaining SEC games still list TV as TBA. Expect additional network assignments once the final slate is set.
Key Dates at a Glance
- Sept. 5 — Season opener vs. Clemson, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
- Sept. 19 — Magnolia Bowl at #9 Ole Miss, 7:30 p.m. ET, ABC
- Oct. 24 — Tiger Bowl at Auburn
- Oct. 31 — Bye week
- Nov. 7 — #13 Alabama at home
- Nov. 28 — Battle for the Boot at Arkansas
- Dec. 5 — Potential SEC Championship in Atlanta, 4:00 p.m. ET, ABC
The 2026 LSU football schedule opens with a high-profile home game and builds toward classic rivalries and ranked tests. November will decide everything.
FAQ
When does LSU open the 2026 season?
LSU opens the 2026 season at home against Clemson on Saturday, September 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
How many home games do the LSU Tigers have in 2026?
The Tigers have seven home games at Tiger Stadium on the 2026 LSU football schedule: Clemson, Louisiana Tech, #8 Texas A&M, McNeese, Mississippi State, #13 Alabama, and #5 Texas.
Who do the LSU Tigers play in the Magnolia Bowl?
On September 19 the Tigers travel to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium to face #9 Ole Miss in the Magnolia Bowl at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
What channel are LSU games on in 2026?
Confirmed networks include ABC, SECN+, SECN, and ABC or ESPN. Most SEC games remain TBA and will be assigned later in the year.
