LSU Football Closes the Book on 2025 Season with Texas Bowl Showdown vs. Houston
HOUSTON - One last ride.
The 2025 season has been anything but smooth for LSU, but it all wraps up Saturday night under the lights at NRG Stadium, as the Tigers take on Houston in the Texas Bowl. It’s not just the end of a season-it’s the end of a chapter.
With the Brian Kelly era officially in the rearview mirror after his October 26 dismissal, the Lane Kiffin era is set to begin in earnest. But before the new head coach gets to work, interim coach Frank Wilson will lead the Tigers one final time. Wilson, who’s stepping aside after this game to join Kiffin’s staff at Ole Miss, is tasked with guiding a depleted but hungry LSU squad looking to finish the year on a high note.
A New-Look LSU Takes the Field
LSU enters the Texas Bowl at 7-5, facing a 9-3 Houston team that finished fourth in the Big 12. And while this may not be the roster LSU envisioned back in August, it’s a chance for the next wave of Tigers to make their mark.
Sophomore quarterback Michael Van Buren will get the start behind center, his fourth straight since taking over for Garrett Nussmeier, who’s opted out to begin preparing for the NFL Draft. Van Buren has shown flashes in limited action, throwing for 743 yards, five touchdowns, and two interceptions over the last three games. He’s gone 2-1 in that stretch and now has the opportunity to lead LSU to its fourth straight bowl victory.
The Tigers are also turning to a young core on both sides of the ball. Freshman running back Harlem Berry is expected to get meaningful touches, while the secondary will lean heavily on freshman D.J.
Pickett and fellow young corners P.J. Woodland and Ja’Keem Jackson.
With standout corner Mansoor Delane opting out as he eyes the 2026 NFL Draft, this trio will be tested early and often by a Houston offense that can move the ball.
Missing Pieces, Major Opportunities
LSU will be without several key contributors in this one-not just Nussmeier and Delane, but also wide receiver Aaron Anderson, who’s declared for the draft and won’t play due to injury. Sophomore Kyle Parker is expected to see increased reps at receiver, and don’t be surprised if a few other young pass-catchers get their shot to shine.
Linebacker Whit Weeks is also out, adding to the list of absences that includes a number of opt-outs and injuries. Here’s a full rundown of LSU players who won’t suit up against Houston:
- WR Aaron Anderson
- QB Tre People
- RB Kaleb Jackson
- QB Colin Hurley
- WR Jelani Watkins
- CB Wallace Foster
- CB Ashton Stamps
- WR Kylan Billiot
Despite the short-handed roster, LSU’s coaching staff has made it clear: this game is more than a formality. It’s a proving ground for the future.
Kickoff Details
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 27
- Time: 8:15 p.m. CT
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston
- TV: ESPN
The Stakes Beyond the Scoreboard
For LSU, this game is about more than just extending a bowl win streak (which currently sits at three, including last year’s Texas Bowl win over Baylor). It’s about showing resilience in the face of adversity and setting the tone for the Kiffin era.
Houston, meanwhile, brings a disciplined and dynamic squad into this matchup. At 9-3, the Cougars have been one of the Big 12’s more consistent teams this season. They’ll be looking to cap off their own strong campaign with a statement win over an SEC opponent-even one that’s retooling on the fly.
Prediction
It’s not going to be easy for LSU, but there’s enough emerging talent on this roster to keep things competitive. The Tigers will rely on youth, energy, and a bit of that classic bowl-season unpredictability. Expect a close one.
Projected Score: LSU 24, Houston 20
A win would send the Tigers into 2026 with momentum-and give fans a glimpse of what the next era in Baton Rouge could look like.