LSU football needs three straight wins to give itself a chance to make the College Football Playoff. Head coach Lane Kiffin and his team face two top-10 opponents in the most recent US LBM Coaches Poll.

The No. 22 Tigers host No. 8 Texas on Saturday before traveling to No. 9 Tennessee during Week 12. They must come out on top in both games, then take care of Arkansas on the road in order to keep their hopes alive for meaningful postseason football.

ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) gives LSU a 26.1% chance to win out in 2026. The purple and gold face a Texas team coming off a gritty road win against Missouri. Early betting odds favor the Tigers in front of their home crowd.

The Volunteers are also fighting for a College Football Playoff berth. They have experienced highs and lows throughout 2026, falling by a field goal to the Longhorns in Week 4, then earning a signature win over the Crimson Tide three games later. A loss to South Carolina may haunt Tennessee if it cannot win out.

LSU football schedule

• Vs. Texas, Nov. 14

• At Tennessee, Nov. 21

• At Arkansas, Nov. 28