LSU football has been the biggest name in college football this offseason. THE Tigers signed the most controversial figure in sports, Lane Kiffin, who turned around and brought in the nation’s top-ranked transfer portal class. This portal is one of the main reasons why LSU is one of the teams most likely compete for a national championship in 2026, a point recognized by ESPN in their article name a game that will define each CFB team’s upcoming season.
Although the Tigers’ Week 3 contest against Ole Mademoiselle is one of the most anticipated games of the entire season, ESPN’s selection fits more with the Tigers’ goals for the season than the drama-filled side story. ESPN says LSU’s season-defining game will be against Texas, which is tied for second most likely national championship winner, according to BetMGM.
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“Given where this game sits on the schedule — and the preseason CFP expectations for both teams — this could be the one that ultimately defines the Tigers’ season,” ESPN’s Andrea Adelson wrote of LSU’s November game against the Longhorns.
While the storyline between LSU and Ole Miss is undeniably interesting, LSU is — and should be — more focused on winning a title than playing a game in September. Beating Ole Miss would certainly be a crucial step toward that goal, but the Tigers’ game against Texas will likely be their biggest test of the season and offer the most insight into whether a championship is truly within reach in 2026.
This article was originally published on LSU Wire: ESPN names LSU football’s defining game for 2026 season
