Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns to open 2026 football season against Lamar

The Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns are set to begin their 2026 football season on September 5 against Lamar. This matchup marks only the second meeting between the two programs since the Sun Belt Conference began sponsoring football in 2001. Louisiana currently holds a 22-12 all-time series lead against Lamar.

Under head coach Michael Desormeaux, the Ragin' Cajuns enter the season following a 6-7 campaign in 2025 that included an eight-consecutive-season bowl appearance streak. The team was projected to finish second in the Sun Belt West Division in the preseason coaches poll. Their non-conference schedule includes games against USC and Charlotte, alongside home matchups against UAB and conference opponents Coastal Carolina and Georgia State.