The first College Football Playoff rankings of 2026 dropped on Tuesday night. LSU football was ranked No. 14, one spot ahead of its ranking in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Poll.

LSU's ranking makes sense given its resume. LSU is 6-2, but the Tigers lack a headline win atop their resume. At the same time, LSU's scoring margin is impressive, and both of LSU's losses have come to good teams on the road.

The stakes are high for LSU this weekend. The Tigers host Alabama in Tiger Stadium and have a chance to add that coveted signature win to their resume. Alabama is ranked No. 5 in the CFP rankings, despite two losses.

LSU's remaining schedule is brutal. After the Alabama game, LSU faces Texas at home before hitting the road to take on Tennessee. Alabama, Texas, and Tennessee all rank in the top 10 of ESPN's FPI ratings.

LSU controls its own destiny, and if the Tigers win out and finish the regular season with a 10-2 record, LSU will make the CFP field with ease. Even at 9-3, LSU has a chance of making it, but the Tigers would need some help in that case.

The next installment of the playoff rankings will be released on Tuesday, Nov. 10. If LSU beats Alabama. the Tigers should make a significant jump.