LSU’s playoff path took a hard turn Tuesday night.
When the College Football Playoff committee unveiled its second rankings of the 2026 season, the Tigers landed at No. 21, a seven-spot drop from their No. 14 position in the opening release. After last week’s loss to Alabama, LSU no longer has much margin for error with three regular-season games left.
The latest ranking makes the Tigers’ situation pretty plain: they are on the outside looking in. LSU is currently the fourth-highest-ranked three-loss team, which is not a favorable place to be, and the Tigers also sit behind a three-loss Ole Miss team that owns the head-to-head win over Kiffin and Co.
LSU entered Saturday needing a statement against Alabama to strengthen its case, but instead came away with a 31-13 defeat. The Tigers had chances to do damage in the red zone, but those missed opportunities helped turn the night into their third loss of the season. LSU is now 6-3.
With the committee’s second reveal in the books, the remaining schedule carries even more weight. LSU’s next test comes Saturday, Nov. 14, against Texas, which is ranked in the top 10.
If the Tigers are going to keep any realistic playoff hope alive, they need to beat Texas and then handle the rest of their opponents. Anything less, and the gap in front of them looks too wide to close.
The rankings will keep shifting each week as the season winds down, but for LSU the message is clear: the final three games are everything.
In Other News...
Kim Mulkey Just Landed Another Frontcourt Talent LSU Fans Will Love
LSUs frontcourt plans for the future got a boost in February when Caroline Bradley, one of the nations top recruits out of Oak Grove, Louisiana, chose the Tigers. The highly regarded prospect is set to make it official during the NCAA early signing period, adding another in-state name to Kim Mulkeys growing pipeline of talent.
Bradleys commitment matters not just because of her ranking, but because of the connection she already has with Mulkey and the fit she appears to offer for LSUs womens basketball program. She is expected to arrive with the chance to make an immediate impact starting next season, giving the Tigers another promising piece to build around up front. [Read more 🡒]
LSU Gets A Whit Weeks Boost As Texas Prep Brings New Concern
LSUs first injury report of the week brought a little relief and a little unease as the Tigers turn their attention to Texas. Linebacker Whit Weeks is listed as questionable after sitting out the previous game with a fractured fibula, giving LSU at least the possibility of getting one of its key defenders back in time for a major matchup.
The report also added fresh concern, with offensive tackle Weston Davis and defensive end Gabriel Reliford showing up among the seven players listed. LSU is already working without Phillip Wright III, Dashawn Spears and Charles Ross II, all of whom are out for the season with leg injuries, so the Tigers are managing both the hope of a boost and the reality of a growing health list as the week unfolds. [Read more 🡒]
LSUs Playoff Push Just Took A Hit Fans Cant Ignore
A trip to Alabama was always going to be a measuring stick for LSU, but the Tigers came away with a 31-13 loss that leaves them 6-3 and with plenty to sort through. Even in defeat, there were a few bright spots, with Jackson Harris and TreyDez Green turning in notable performances, but the overall picture was hard to ignore as LSU spent much of the night chasing the game.
Braelin Moore had a rough outing, and the bigger concern was how often the offense seemed to fight itself in key moments. The play calling and coaching decisions drew criticism as LSU struggled to find rhythm, leaving the Tigers with more questions than answers as the playoff push gets tighter. [Read more 🡒]