LSU and Alabama college football rivalry matchup

The No. 10 Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 15 LSU Tigers are scheduled to meet at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge on November 7, 2026. The game carries significant implications for the 12-team College Football Playoff, as both programs currently hold two losses.

Due to changes in the SEC scheduling format, this contest marks the final annual meeting between the two rivals for the foreseeable future. While the teams are scheduled to meet again in 2028, LSU was not selected as one of Alabama’s permanent conference opponents.

Preparations for the Week 10 matchup include adjustments to the kickoff time, which is set for 2:30 p.m. CT. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin noted that this marks Alabama’s first afternoon kickoff in Baton Rouge since 2010. Both teams are managing injuries, with LSU noting the return of tight end Trey’Dez Green from a knee injury and the importance of linebacker Davhon Keys to the run defense. Alabama enters the game having won the last three meetings between the programs.

As the matchup approaches, the stakes for playoff positioning have become clearer. According to ESPN’s AllState Playoff Predictor, Alabama’s chances of making the playoff decreased from 63 percent to 60 percent following its BYE week. If Alabama loses to LSU but wins its remaining games, its playoff probability drops to 32 percent. Alabama enters the game as a road underdog. LSU may also see a boost if star linebacker Whit Weeks returns to action. Weeks, who suffered a leg fracture in late September, has made progress and may return to practice this week. On the field, attention will be on Alabama freshman quarterback Keelon Russell, who has demonstrated strong fourth-quarter passing efficiency, while LSU looks to quarterback Sam Leavitt to lead the offense.