Updated September 20, 2026 | America Newsline Sports
LSU football is heading back to Baton Rouge with plenty to address after the No. 7 Tigers suffered a 32-24 loss to No. 8 Ole Miss in a dramatic SEC showdown Saturday night in Oxford.
The game was one of the most closely watched matchups of Week 3 because it marked Lane Kiffin’s first return to Oxford as LSU’s head coach after leaving Ole Miss for Baton Rouge following the 2025 season.
Ole Miss controlled much of the first half, taking a 24-7 halftime lead, but LSU mounted a major second-half comeback and pulled level at 24-24 before the Rebels answered in the fourth quarter. Ole Miss ultimately secured the victory with a late defensive stop and interception.
The result gives LSU its first loss of the 2026 season and immediately shifts attention toward the Tigers’ next major SEC test: Texas A&M at Tiger Stadium on September 26.
LSU vs. Ole Miss Final Score
No. 8 Ole Miss 32, No. 7 LSU 24
The scoreboard tells only part of the story.
Ole Miss built a commanding advantage before LSU produced one of the game’s biggest momentum swings.
Halftime:
- Ole Miss — 24
- LSU — 7
Fourth quarter:
- LSU completed its comeback to tie the game at 24.
- Ole Miss responded with a decisive scoring drive.
- LSU’s final attempt ended with an interception, allowing Ole Miss to close out the victory.
Associated Press reporting described the game as a dramatic comeback attempt by LSU that ultimately fell short.
Lane Kiffin’s Emotional Return to Oxford
The biggest storyline surrounding the matchup was always going to be Lane Kiffin.
Kiffin returned to the stadium where he previously coached Ole Miss, this time wearing LSU colors.
The atmosphere was intense before kickoff, with heightened security and significant attention surrounding the former Rebels coach’s departure for LSU. AP reported that approximately 100,000 people were expected around Oxford for the weekend and that additional law-enforcement resources were deployed.
LSU entered the matchup ranked No. 7 while Ole Miss was No. 8, making it the first time since 1962 that the programs entered their meeting ranked inside the AP Top 10. LSU’s own preview confirmed the historic nature of the matchup.
The return ultimately ended with Kiffin’s new team on the losing side.
LSU’s Second-Half Comeback Falls Just Short
The Tigers looked to be in serious trouble after Ole Miss dominated the opening half.
But LSU responded after halftime.
The Tigers scored 17 unanswered points during the comeback, turning a 24-7 deficit into a 24-24 game.
That comeback demonstrated why LSU remained competitive despite the difficult start, but Ole Miss regained control late.
ESPN reported that Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss finished with 363 passing yards and two touchdown passes while also running for the go-ahead touchdown in the fourth quarter.
The late interception ended LSU’s final opportunity.
Sam Leavitt Becomes a Major LSU Storyline
Quarterback Sam Leavitt was one of the biggest questions surrounding LSU throughout the week.
Leavitt had initially appeared on the SEC availability report as doubtful before being upgraded and ultimately removed from the report before kickoff.
Reuters reported that the precise nature of his injury was not publicly established, with different reports referencing back spasms or a sore throwing shoulder.
Despite the uncertainty, Leavitt played against Ole Miss.
The transfer quarterback entered the season after establishing himself at Arizona State and quickly became central to LSU’s new offense under Kiffin.
Through LSU’s first two games before Ole Miss, he had accumulated:
- 574 passing yards
- 2 passing touchdowns
- 4 interceptions
- 135 rushing yards
- 5 rushing touchdowns
Those numbers were reported by Reuters ahead of the Ole Miss game.
His availability will remain something to monitor as LSU turns toward Texas A&M.
Trey’Dez Green Injury Adds Another Concern
LSU also has an important injury storyline involving star tight end Trey’Dez Green.
Green was helped from the field during the Ole Miss game after an apparent leg injury, according to postgame reports.
As of this update, a definitive diagnosis and timetable for his return have not been established in the sources reviewed.
That makes the coming week particularly important.
Green entered 2026 as one of LSU’s most prominent offensive weapons. LSU had previously announced that Green would wear the program’s iconic No. 7 jersey in 2026 and noted that he already held LSU’s career record for touchdown receptions by a tight end.
He was also named to the Walter Camp Player of the Year watch list before the season.
Any absence could therefore have implications for LSU’s offensive game plan against Texas A&M.
What Went Wrong for LSU Against Ole Miss?
Several areas will receive attention during LSU’s upcoming film review.
1. Slow Start
LSU trailed 24-7 at halftime, putting itself in a difficult position against a ranked SEC opponent.
2. Ole Miss Passing Attack
Trinidad Chambliss delivered a major performance for the Rebels, throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns.
3. Late-Game Execution
LSU managed to erase the 17-point deficit but could not complete the job after reaching a 24-24 tie.
The Rebels produced the decisive late sequence, while LSU’s final possession ended with an interception.
4. Injuries
The status of Trey’Dez Green will be particularly important heading into the next game.
LSU Entered the Season With Huge Expectations
The Ole Miss game came after an impressive opening two weeks for the Tigers.
LSU opened the Lane Kiffin era with a dominant 51-10 victory over Clemson.
The Tigers followed that by defeating Louisiana Tech 45-14.
Against Clemson, LSU produced 644 total yards, including 309 rushing yards and 335 passing yards, while holding Clemson to only 145 total yards.
LSU then defeated Louisiana Tech 45-14, with linebacker TJ Dottery recording nine tackles and edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen producing three sacks.
Those results helped LSU rise to No. 7 in the AP Top 25 entering the Ole Miss matchup.
What Happens to LSU in the Rankings?
LSU entered Week 3 at No. 7 in the AP Top 25.
The Tigers’ 32-24 loss means their position in the next poll will be a major storyline.
As of September 20, the new AP poll following Saturday’s games had not yet been officially reflected in the NCAA rankings page reviewed for this article.
Several media outlets have published projected post-Week 3 rankings, but those projections should not be confused with the official AP poll.
The confirmed pregame AP ranking was:
No. 7 LSU — 2-0
The Tigers are now 2-1 overall following the Ole Miss defeat.
LSU’s Next Game: Texas A&M Comes to Tiger Stadium
There is little time for LSU to dwell on the loss.
The Tigers return home for another major SEC matchup against Texas A&M.
LSU vs. Texas A&M
Date: Saturday, September 26, 2026
Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. CT
TV: ABC
LSU promotion: Wear Gold / Champions Day
LSU officially confirmed the 6:30 p.m. kickoff and ABC broadcast.
The matchup carries additional significance because Texas A&M defeated LSU 49-25 at Tiger Stadium last season.
Texas A&M entered the Ole Miss weekend ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25, according to the latest poll available before the LSU-Ole Miss game.
However, the Aggies subsequently suffered a 31-21 loss to Kentucky, meaning their own ranking and momentum will also be part of the buildup to September 26.
LSU vs. Texas A&M: Why This Game Matters
The Texas A&M matchup could become LSU’s first opportunity to respond immediately after an SEC loss.
The Tigers will have to manage several questions during the week:
- Will Sam Leavitt remain fully available?
- What is the extent of Trey’Dez Green’s injury?
- Can LSU start faster offensively?
- How will the defense respond after allowing Ole Miss to build a 24-point total before halftime?
- Can LSU protect home field against another ranked SEC opponent?
- How will Lane Kiffin adjust after his first SEC defeat as LSU’s head coach?
The official LSU schedule lists Texas A&M for September 26 before McNeese on October 3 and Kentucky on October 10.
LSU Football 2026 Schedule: What’s Coming Next?
Following the Texas A&M game, LSU’s currently listed schedule includes:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Sept. 26 | Texas A&M | Tiger Stadium |
| Oct. 3 | McNeese | Tiger Stadium |
| Oct. 10 | Kentucky | Lexington |
| Oct. 17 | Mississippi State | Tiger Stadium |
| Oct. 24 | Auburn | Auburn |
| Nov. 7 | Alabama | Tiger Stadium |
| Nov. 14 | Texas | Tiger Stadium |
| Nov. 21 | Tennessee | Knoxville |
| Nov. 28 | Arkansas | Fayetteville |
LSU’s official schedule lists these games and current kickoff information where available.
The schedule becomes particularly demanding later in the season with Alabama, Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas still ahead.
LSU Defense Remains a Key Storyline
Despite the loss, LSU’s defense has already shown significant early-season production.
Against Louisiana Tech, LSU recorded three sacks from Princewill Umanmielen alone, while TJ Dottery led the Tigers with nine tackles.
The defense also played a major role in the 51-10 season-opening victory over Clemson.
The Ole Miss game, however, presented a different challenge, with Chambliss and the Rebels producing enough explosive plays to establish a large early advantage.
How LSU responds defensively against Texas A&M will be one of the most important storylines of Week 4.
Lane Kiffin Era: 2-1 After Three Games
Kiffin’s first three games at LSU have now produced:
Clemson: LSU 51-10
Louisiana Tech: LSU 45-14
Ole Miss: Ole Miss 32-24 LSU
That puts LSU at 2-1 entering its second SEC game.
The first SEC test produced a loss, but the season remains in its early stages, with LSU still scheduled to face a long list of conference opponents.
The immediate focus is now on preparation for Texas A&M.
LSU Football Trending Storylines to Watch This Week
🔥 Trey’Dez Green’s injury status
Fans will be watching closely for any official update following his apparent leg injury against Ole Miss.
🏈 Sam Leavitt’s health
After his unusual availability-report storyline before Ole Miss, his practice status will attract attention throughout the week.
📊 AP Top 25 movement
LSU’s No. 7 ranking was based on its 2-0 start. The 32-24 defeat means a new ranking is expected to become a major discussion point.
🟣🟡 Texas A&M preparation
LSU immediately gets another SEC opponent at home.
🏟️ Tiger Stadium response
The Tigers return to Death Valley after losing their first SEC game of the season.
👀 Lane Kiffin’s next move
Kiffin’s return to Oxford ended in defeat. The next challenge is responding against Texas A&M.
LSU Football Latest News: Key Facts
Team: LSU Tigers
Head coach: Lane Kiffin
Current record: 2-1
Conference: SEC
Latest result: Ole Miss 32, LSU 24
Previous wins: Clemson 51-10; Louisiana Tech 45-14
Next opponent: Texas A&M
Next game: September 26, 2026
Kickoff: 6:30 p.m. CT
Venue: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge
TV: ABC
Key injury to monitor: Trey’Dez Green
Quarterback: Sam Leavitt
Bottom Line
The LSU football season has taken its first major turn.
After beginning the year with two convincing wins, the Tigers suffered a 32-24 defeat at Ole Miss in one of the most heavily anticipated games of the young college football season.
The defeat was especially significant because it came during Lane Kiffin’s return to Oxford and after LSU had fought back from a 17-point halftime deficit.
Now the Tigers must turn their attention toward Texas A&M on September 26 at Tiger Stadium.
The next few days could bring important updates on Trey’Dez Green’s injury, Sam Leavitt’s status, the new AP ranking and LSU’s preparation for another major SEC matchup.
America Newsline will continue tracking LSU football with updates on injuries, rankings, scores, schedules, player news and the Texas A&M matchup.
Last updated September 20, 2026. Injury information is based on currently available reporting; any diagnosis or return timetable should be treated as unconfirmed until LSU or the relevant medical/availability authority provides an official update.