Texas Bowl Preview: LSU Faces Houston in a Clash of Transition vs. Trajectory
Saturday night in Houston, the Texas Bowl offers more than just a postseason matchup-it’s a snapshot of two programs heading in very different directions. On one sideline, you’ve got LSU, wrapping up a turbulent 2025 season under interim coach Frank Wilson. On the other, a surging Houston squad under Willie Fritz, looking to punctuate a breakout year with a 10th win.
Let’s break down what’s at stake and what to watch for when these two teams meet at NRG Stadium.
LSU: One Last Ride Before the Kiffin Era Begins
For LSU, this game marks the end of a chaotic chapter. The Tigers enter at 7-5, still reeling from a season that saw head coach Brian Kelly dismissed and Lane Kiffin brought in as his successor.
Kiffin won’t be on the sidelines Saturday-he’s busy building out his 2026 staff and evaluating the roster-but his presence looms large over this game. Every snap is a chance for players to make their case for the future.
That’s especially true on defense, where LSU will be missing a significant chunk of its core. Opt-outs and injuries have sidelined several key contributors, including safety AJ Haulcy, cornerback Mansoor Delane, linebackers Harold Perkins Jr., West Weeks, and Whit Weeks, and defensive end Jack Pyburn. That’s a lot of production-and leadership-on the shelf.
Still, there’s a silver lining. With defensive coordinator Blake Baker staying on under Kiffin, this game becomes a proving ground for younger players eager to carve out roles in 2026. It’s not the defense LSU fans are used to seeing, but it’s a glimpse into what could be coming next.
Houston: Momentum Meets Opportunity
Houston, meanwhile, is on the upswing. The Cougars have already improved their win total by five from last season, and they’re coming into the Texas Bowl with a full roster. That’s no small thing in today’s college football landscape, where bowl season often turns into a game of who’s left standing.
Willie Fritz has this group playing confident, disciplined football in just his second year at the helm. And with a 9-3 record, the Cougars are eyeing a 10-win season-something that would further validate the direction of the program under Fritz.
One name to watch? Quarterback Conner Weigman.
LSU fans know him well. The former Texas A&M signal-caller is 2-0 against the Tigers, including a 38-23 upset win in 2022 that spoiled LSU’s regular-season finale.
Now at Houston, Weigman brings experience and familiarity into this matchup, and he’s got the weapons to test a depleted LSU defense.
Quarterback Watch: Van Buren’s Big Audition
On the other side of the ball, LSU’s quarterback situation adds another layer of intrigue. Michael Van Buren Jr., the Mississippi State transfer, took over as starter late in the season and went 2-1 down the stretch. He showed flashes-especially with his mobility, something that was missing from the Tigers’ offense earlier in the year-but questions remain about his consistency as a passer.
This bowl game is more than just another start for Van Buren. With Kiffin evaluating every position, this is a high-stakes audition.
A strong performance could solidify his place in the quarterback room-or boost his stock if he decides to explore other opportunities. Either way, how he handles Houston’s defense could go a long way in shaping his future.
A Rare Gulf Coast Clash
Despite being separated by less than 300 miles, LSU and Houston haven’t met in a quarter-century. LSU leads the all-time series 2-1, with the last matchup coming in 2000. Houston’s lone win came in 1999, a 20-7 victory that closed the book on Gerry DiNardo’s tenure at LSU.
Now, 25 years later, the Cougars have a shot to even the series and put an exclamation point on a resurgent season.
What to Expect
This game shapes up as a contrast in momentum. Houston enters healthy, motivated, and with a clear identity under Fritz. LSU, while still talented, is a team in flux-short-handed on defense and navigating the final hours of a transitional season.
The Tigers still have playmakers, but the Cougars have cohesion. And in bowl season, that often makes all the difference.
How to Watch
- Date: Saturday, December 27
- Time: 9:15 p.m.
ET
- Location: NRG Stadium - Houston, Texas
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo (Free trial available)
Prediction
With LSU missing key defensive pieces and still adjusting to life post-Brian Kelly, Houston holds the edge in continuity and motivation. The Cougars have been building toward this moment all season. Expect them to come out sharp and focused, while LSU leans on youth and raw talent to keep it close.
Pick: Houston -3
This one could be a statement win for the Cougars-and a wake-up call for what’s next in Baton Rouge.