+34
When LSU takes on its fellow SEC opponents, there are always future NFL stars on the field, many of whom are matched up with one another. In the first year of a
In the first year of a nine-game conference schedule, LSU has its hands full and its players need to live up to expectations when the lights are brightest.
Harlem Berry runs the ball against Ole Miss in 2025 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect LSU only rushed for 57 yards in its 24-19 loss to Ole Miss in 2025. The poor ground attack accounted heavily for LSU's fluttering offense, where it never looked comfortable against the Rebels. In 2026, LSU returns Harlem Berry and Caden Durham who have seen how Ole Miss attacks the ground game with its front seven.
The Tigers also added Dilin Jones from Wisconsin who looks to be in contention for the starting role. Marcel Reed vs. Whit Weeks; Texas A&MMarcel Reed ran all over LSU in the past two games between these new-age rivals. If LSU lets it happen again, the Tigers might as well write this game off as a loss.
Senior linebacker Whit Weeks is garnering the most attention out of LSU's defensive retentions from the previous season, and has seen Reed twice now. Weeks has to be at the forefront of the attacking force against Reed's mobility. Weeks was dealing with injuries in 2025, but is back healthy and has to be able to chase down Reed when he breaks out of the pocket.
Isaiah Horton catches the ball over PJ Woodland in 2025 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect A lot of attention is being paid to LSU cornerback DJ Pickett and Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, but LSU's CB2 PJ Woodland is set up for a breakout year. It's unclear who he will be lined up against when LSU hosts Alabama, due to Alabama receiver Noah Rogers being set to miss time with an injury.
But Lotzeir Brooks is bound to be one of the best WR2s in the country and could easily lock up that role while Rogers is out. If Woodland lets Brooks or Rogers break free and be the star that they are supposed to be, they could burn LSU and take the game.
Arch Manning runs the ball against Michigan in 2025 | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect LSU is set to host Texas a week after playing Alabama, and it could easily shape up to be one of the biggest games in the country as far as College Football Playoff implications go. Two star quarterbacks will find themselves battling it out in Death Valley, fighting to help their draft stock and their team's record.
Both stars could throw for 400 yards, or be shut down by each team's high-caliber secondary. If one quarterback has a much better game than the other, their team is likely to take a win in November. Tripp Buhler is a junior at Louisiana State University studying Journalism with a minor in history.
In addition to LSU Tigers on SI, Buhler is a sports reporter with the Reveille, and also a contributor at Sporting News, covering trending stories in Texas and the South. Though born and raised just outside of Atlanta, Buhler has Louisiana family ties and can often be found in Baton Rouge pool halls with his family members.
Scratch the next story
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
NBA Las Vegas Summer League Returns: Format, Schedule, and Key MatchupsThe NBA Las Vegas Summer League tips off with all 30 teams competing across two UNLV venues. This comprehensive guide covers the unique one-and-one free throw rule, game format, playoff structure, and the full broadcast schedule for the 2026 event, highlighting standout rookie showdowns and how to watch every game.
Read more »
MLB Trade Deadline Primer: Optimal Matchups and Dream Scenarios for Contending TeamsAs the MLB trade deadline approaches, teams face critical decisions to bolster their rosters for a postseason push. This analysis identifies the best trade targets for each team, highlighting key needs and potential dream scenarios that could reshape the playoff race. From the Rays' pursuit of Luis Arráez to the White Sox's interest in Griffin Canning and the Yankees' urgent need for catching help, the article explores how teams might address weaknesses through strategic acquisitions.
Read more »
Coach Kiffin Revamps LSU Tigers Roster for 2026 SeasonNew head coach Kiffin is aggressively reshaping the LSU Tigers football team for 2026 by utilizing the transfer portal to overhaul the wide receiving unit and integrate new talent alongside returning players.
Read more »
Texas A&M vs. Tennessee: The Matchups That Will Decide the GameThe Texas A&M Aggies face off against what could be a threat in the Tennessee Volunteers.
Read more »