LSU Football Sets the Table for 2026: Spring Practice Schedule Drops as Kiffin Era Begins
There’s a new era brewing in Baton Rouge - and it officially kicks off this spring.
LSU has released its 2026 spring football schedule, marking the first chapter under new head coach Lane Kiffin. After a rocky 2025 season that fell well short of expectations, the Tigers are looking to reset, reload, and reestablish themselves as a College Football Playoff contender. And it all starts with the grind of spring ball.
Spring Practice Breakdown
The Tigers will hit the field for the first of 15 spring practices on March 24. From there, they'll follow a consistent rhythm - practicing every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday through April 23. The final practice is slated for Friday, May 24, giving LSU a full two-month window to lay the foundation for what they hope is a bounce-back season.
This stretch of practices will be the first real opportunity for Kiffin and his staff to evaluate the roster up close, implement new systems, and begin shaping the identity of a team that’s undergone significant change - both on the field and on the sideline.
Spring Game Still Up in the Air
One thing that’s notably missing from the schedule? A confirmed spring game.
LSU hasn’t yet announced whether it will hold a traditional spring scrimmage or opt for a different kind of fan engagement event. That’s not entirely surprising - several top programs skipped spring games last year, including LSU and even Kiffin’s former team, Ole Miss, which instead hosted a “Meet the Rebels Day.”
Whether LSU follows suit or brings back the spring game tradition remains to be seen. Expect more clarity in the coming weeks.
New Faces, New Expectations
This spring isn’t just about getting familiar with a new head coach - it’s about integrating a wave of new talent that could reshape LSU’s trajectory in a hurry.
Kiffin and his staff wasted no time attacking the transfer portal this offseason, and the results were eye-popping. LSU landed the No. 1-ranked transfer class in the country, according to 247Sports Composite rankings. That group includes some major headliners:
- Sam Leavitt, the former Arizona State quarterback, brings both arm talent and mobility to the QB room - and could be in the mix to start from Day 1.
- Jordan Seaton, a former Colorado standout and one of the most coveted offensive tackles in the portal, adds instant credibility to the line.
- Winnie Watkins, a dynamic receiver out of Ole Miss, reunites with Kiffin and gives LSU a proven playmaker on the outside.
And that’s just scratching the surface. This roster has been infused with experienced talent across multiple positions, and spring will be the first real test of how quickly that group can mesh.
Freshmen in Focus
While the transfer class grabbed headlines, LSU’s high school recruiting haul shouldn’t be overlooked. Despite the coaching change, the Tigers secured a top-15 class nationally - a testament to the program’s staying power and Kiffin’s ability to close.
Several of those freshmen are already on campus as early enrollees, and they’ll get their first taste of college football this spring. Two names to keep an eye on:
- Richard Anderson, a 5-star defensive lineman who brings elite size and athleticism up front. He’s expected to push for early playing time.
- Corey Barber, a 4-star receiver with the speed and route-running polish to make an immediate impact in a wide-open receiver room.
What’s Next
With practice just over a month away, all eyes in Baton Rouge are on how quickly this new-look LSU team can come together. The pieces are there - a proven offensive mind in Kiffin, a top-tier transfer class, and a hungry roster looking to erase the memory of last season.
Now it’s about putting it all together.
Spring football may not come with the fanfare of Saturdays in Death Valley, but make no mistake - this is where the 2026 Tigers begin to take shape. And with Kiffin at the helm, expect things to get interesting fast.