LSU’s Preseason Outlook
The LSU Tigers have been projected to finish fifth in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) preseason poll for the upcoming 2026 season. This prediction places them behind Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. Despite being ranked fifth, expectations are notable for the team, especially as it enters its first season under coach Lane Kiffin.
The media’s preseason rankings are an annual tradition at SEC Media Days, where members vote on the predicted order of finish for the conference’s 16 teams and select an all-conference team. This year’s results show Georgia as the favorite to win the SEC, a position it also held last year.
The Tigers’ fifth-place projection puts them on the bubble for the College Football Playoff, considering the conference sent five teams to the CFP during the 2025-2026 season, including Oklahoma in its inaugural year in the SEC. This ranking comes after LSU was a significant focus during the recent SEC Media Days in Tampa, dominating conversations on the final day of the four-day event.
High Expectations for Kiffin’s First Season
Expectations are considerable for LSU football as Lane Kiffin takes the helm. Fans and media have expressed hopes for the Bayou Bengals to reach the College Football Playoff in Kiffin’s initial season. This level of anticipation suggests that exceeding the media’s preseason projection could lead to an exciting conclusion to the season in November and December.
During SEC Media Days, Kiffin addressed various topics, including his decision to leave Ole Miss before its College Football Playoff run last November. He also discussed his recent decision to reduce his social media presence, which he stated began as a challenge from his son, Knox. Kiffin emphasized his approach to embracing challenges, stating, “I’ve built my life on pushing out of comfort.”
Kiffin acknowledged the pressure associated with coaching LSU and the media’s expectations for the team to perform well immediately. He described this as an “awesome challenge,” highlighting his willingness to step outside his comfort zone. The coach and his team are set to begin preseason camp in early August.
All-SEC Selections and Season Opener
Beyond the team ranking, nine LSU players were voted onto the All-SEC team. This includes Trey’Dez Green and Jordan Seaton, who were named to the first-team offense. Braelin Moore secured a spot on the third-team offense.
On the defensive side, edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen and linebacker Whit Weeks both earned first-team defense honors. Cornerback DJ Pickett and safety Ty Benefield were selected for the second-team defense. Additionally, TJ Dottery was voted onto the third-team as a linebacker, and Grant Chadwick was recognized as the first-team punter.
Only two out of 164 voters predicted LSU to win the SEC crown, making it one of eight teams to receive at least one first-place vote. The team’s performance last season, finishing tenth in the league after being projected fourth, led to a coaching change, with Kiffin’s hiring becoming a major storyline at SEC Media Days.
The LSU Tigers are scheduled to kick off their season at home against Clemson on September 5.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.