LSU Falls in Texas Bowl Thriller, but Trey’Dez Green Shines as Kiffin Era Looms
HOUSTON - LSU’s 2025 season came to a close in dramatic fashion, falling 38-35 to Houston in the Texas Bowl. It was a back-and-forth battle that gave fans one last look at a Tigers team in transition - and a glimpse of what could be coming next under Lane Kiffin. Here’s what stood out from the finale of LSU’s 7-6 campaign.
1. Trey’Dez Green Owns the Texas Bowl (Again)
Some players just have a flair for the moment, and sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green clearly has a thing for the Texas Bowl stage.
For the second straight year, Green hauled in two touchdown catches in this game - this time from 14 and 4 yards out. He finished the night with four grabs for 80 yards, showing off the size, athleticism, and red-zone savvy that make him such a tantalizing weapon.
At 6-foot-7 with a massive catch radius and smooth movement for his frame, Green is exactly the kind of mismatch nightmare Lane Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. love to feature. If you’re looking for an early breakout candidate for 2026 in Baton Rouge, circle his name in bold. What we saw in Houston was just a taste of what he could become in a more dynamic, Kiffin-led offense.
2. Defensive Depth Gets Exposed
There’s been plenty of buzz about Kiffin retaining defensive coordinator Blake Baker and much of the current defensive staff - a move that speaks to LSU’s belief in continuity on that side of the ball. But the Texas Bowl was a reminder that even the best schemes need players to execute them.
LSU came into the game severely shorthanded, missing six defensive starters - including All-Americans Mansoor Delane and AJ Haulcy, as well as linebackers Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins. That’s a lot of star power on the sidelines, and it showed up in the box score.
Houston converted 7 of 15 third downs, consistently finding ways to extend drives and capitalize in key moments. The Cougars didn’t just move the ball - they made clutch plays when it mattered most. LSU’s defense, particularly in the second half, struggled to get off the field, and the absence of their top playmakers was felt on every level.
3. Barion Brown’s Electric Return Overshadowed by Weigman’s Heroics
LSU couldn’t have asked for a better start. Barion Brown, who led the team in receiving this season but had just one touchdown catch to his name, opened the game with a bang - a 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. It was the first time in LSU bowl history that the Tigers scored on a game’s opening kickoff, and it immediately injected energy into the team and the fanbase.
That spark helped LSU jump out to a quick 14-0 lead, but Houston - and more specifically, quarterback Conner Weigman - had an answer.
The former Texas A&M signal-caller was locked in from the opening drive, throwing for 236 yards and all four of Houston’s touchdowns. His poise, accuracy, and ability to stretch the field earned him MVP honors and ultimately tilted the game in the Cougars’ favor. LSU’s depleted defense had no answers for Weigman’s rhythm, and he made them pay for every missed assignment and soft coverage window.
Looking Ahead: The Kiffin Era Begins
While the loss stings, it also closes the book on a transitional year for LSU - and opens the door to what’s next. Lane Kiffin officially takes the reins now, and with him comes a new era of offensive creativity, quarterback development, and high expectations.
There’s plenty of talent returning, especially on offense. If Trey’Dez Green’s performance is any indication, Kiffin and Weis Jr. will have some exciting pieces to work with. And once LSU gets healthy on defense and adds a few more key contributors, the foundation is there for a quick turnaround.
The Texas Bowl may not have ended the way LSU fans hoped, but it gave us a clear picture of both the challenges and the potential ahead. The Lane Train is pulling into Baton Rouge - and the 2026 season can’t get here fast enough.