LSU Falls in Texas Bowl, but Lane Kiffin Era Begins with Eyes on the Future
Saturday night marked the end of a forgettable season for LSU, as the Tigers came up short against Houston in the Texas Bowl. While the loss capped a year that never quite found its rhythm, all eyes in Baton Rouge are now locked on what comes next - and that future officially begins with Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin, who was in attendance at NRG Stadium, didn’t just show up - he made his presence known. From social media posts to an in-game ESPN interview, the new LSU head coach was front and center, soaking in his first look at the program he’s about to lead into a new era. And with the Transfer Portal set to open on January 2nd, there’s no doubt LSU is gearing up to be an aggressive player in reshaping its roster.
A Glimpse at the Future
For Kiffin, Saturday’s game offered a live scouting session. He got a firsthand look at the roster he’s inheriting - the strengths, the gaps, and the areas where reinforcements will be needed. While the Tigers were fighting to win back-to-back Texas Bowls, their incoming head coach was already evaluating how to turn this team into a contender.
During his ESPN appearance, Kiffin reflected on his time at Ole Miss, even commenting on the Rebels’ College Football Playoff win over Tulane. He called it “a great day” and “the biggest game in the state of Mississippi,” but quickly pivoted to the task ahead, noting that he hadn’t had much time to watch the game - a nod to the non-stop world of NIL negotiations and portal prep.
An Early Exit That Raised Eyebrows
Despite his high-profile appearance, Kiffin didn’t stick around for the full 60 minutes. Cameras caught him leaving the stadium well before the final whistle, shortly after his interview. In true Kiffin fashion, it was a move that sparked plenty of chatter.
Was it a great look? Not exactly.
LSU was still battling late in the fourth quarter, even attempting an onside kick after a last-minute touchdown. The game was far from a blowout, and with Kiffin’s much-publicized arrival, some fans might’ve hoped he’d stay to the end.
But this is Lane Kiffin - calculated, bold, and always a step ahead in the spotlight game.
The Only Thing That Matters: Winning
At the end of the day, LSU fans care about one thing: winning. Kiffin knows that better than anyone.
The Tigers didn’t bring him in to shake hands and pose for photos - they brought him in to compete for SEC titles and make playoff runs. If that means leaving a bowl game early to get a jump on the portal or NIL calls, so be it.
Still, Saturday night served as a reminder of the work ahead. LSU’s performance against Houston showed flashes but also exposed areas that need immediate attention. Kiffin will have to hit the ground running - and with the portal about to open, he’s got a critical window to reshape this roster in his image.
The Lane Train has officially pulled into Baton Rouge. The season may be over, but for LSU, the real journey is just getting started.