As LSU gears up for its final game of the 2025 season - a Texas Bowl clash in Houston - there’s a renewed sense of purpose within the program. Despite a season filled with frustration and unmet expectations, the Tigers are treating this bowl appearance as more than just a consolation prize. It’s a bridge between what was and what’s next.
The program has started to roll out glimpses of bowl prep, offering fans a peek behind the curtain. One clip showed freshman running back Caden Durham ripping off a long run, Trey'Dez Green finishing a catch at the goal line, and Jacobian Guillory putting in work on the sled machine. Meanwhile, quarterback Michael Van Buren hit Barion Brown in stride for a deep touchdown - a play that not only turned heads but hinted at what could be in store for the future of this offense.
And yes, Lane Kiffin was watching.
While interim head coach Frank Wilson prepares for his next chapter at Ole Miss, he’s still guiding the team through these final practices. Kiffin, the newly appointed head coach, has begun his evaluation process. The baton is being passed in real time, and the Tigers are trying to finish strong while laying the foundation for what comes next.
“We’re anticipating having the lion’s share of our team,” Wilson said recently - and that’s been the case so far. Despite the transfer portal buzz and NFL Draft decisions looming, a good chunk of the roster has committed to suiting up one last time this season. That matters, especially during a period of transition.
For players still weighing their futures - whether it’s staying in Baton Rouge, transferring elsewhere, or heading to the pros - these practices carry extra weight. And with Kiffin and general manager Billy Glasscock watching closely, the evaluations are already underway. This is where futures are shaped, depth charts begin to take form, and roster decisions start to crystallize.
Defensively, there’s a bit more continuity. Most of the defensive staff is sticking around, and that stability could pay off in the short term.
But meetings are already happening behind the scenes as the new regime maps out its vision for January and beyond. With nine players already announcing their intent to enter the transfer portal when it opens on Jan. 2, that number is expected to grow.
On the offensive side, several key names have yet to publicly declare their plans. That includes quarterback Michael Van Buren, dynamic running back Harlem Berry, tight end Trey'Dez Green, and offensive linemen Tyree Adams, Braelin Moore, and Solomon Thomas. Their decisions - whether they come before or after the Dec. 27 game - will be critical in shaping the Tigers’ offensive identity heading into 2026.
For Kiffin and Glasscock, these practices are more than just bowl prep - they’re live auditions. Every rep matters. Every throw, every block, every defensive read - it’s all going into the evaluation process that will determine who fits into the new vision of LSU football.
Defensive coordinator Matt House and his staff will also play a big role in shaping the future. With a solid core expected to return on defense, the focus now turns to development.
Can the younger players step into bigger roles? That’s what these sessions are all about.
Names like DJ Pickett, Dashawn Spears, PJ Woodland, Tylen Singleton, and Damien Shanklin are worth keeping an eye on. These are the guys who could emerge not just as contributors, but as leaders - the next wave of tone-setters for a defense that’s looking to re-establish its identity. This bowl game, and the preparation leading up to it, gives them a chance to start that process early.
This is more than just one last game in 2025 - it’s the first step toward 2026. And while the Tigers may not be where they wanted to be this season, they’re still in position to finish with momentum and give fans a glimpse of what’s coming.
Texas Bowl Game Details:
- Kickoff: 8:15 p.m. CT
- Venue: NRG Stadium (72,220 capacity), Houston, Texas
- TV/Streaming: ESPN | WatchESPN
- Radio: 98.1 FM (Baton Rouge) and affiliates
- Sideline: LSU will occupy the West sideline as the designated visiting team
- Uniform: TBD
For LSU, this is about more than a bowl win. It’s about setting the tone for the Kiffin era - and that starts now.