And The Valley Shook
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If LSU wins or loses vs. Alabama
LSU (6-2, No. 15) hosts No. 9 Alabama at Tiger Stadium, a pivotal SEC showdown. After back‑to‑back wins over Mississippi State and Auburn, a victory would crown the Tigers with their biggest win of the year, boost Lane Kiffin’s first‑season credibility, and solidify quarterback Sam Leavitt as a leader, improving LSU’s bowl outlook. Conversely, a loss would drop LSU to 6‑3, intensify doubts about its ability to compete with elite SEC foes, and tighten the margin for error in Kiffin’s campaign. The game stands as LSU’s chance to deliver a defining statement before the season’s final stretch.
Will Wade’s Tigers defeat the Privateers in season debut
LSU head coach Will Wade returns to the sidelines as the Tigers dominate their season opener, beating the New Orleans Privateers 100-57. Donavan Dent leads with 19 points and 10 assists, while Saliou Niang posts a double‑double (14 points, 14 rebounds) and Michael Ruzic adds 17 points off the bench. LSU shoots just 25% from three and commits 12 turnovers, but clamps down defensively, holding the Privateers to 25% shooting overall and 14% from beyond the arc. The win highlights the squad’s talent despite limited preseason play and sets the stage for a Friday matchup against Texas Southern.
Sam Leavitt provides positive update on hamstring injury
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt reports a strong recovery from his hamstring injury after the team’s bye week, saying he’s “running around 100%.” The improved condition could relieve pressure on the Tigers’ offense as they head into the next stretch of games. While the progress is encouraging, his health will be closely watched as LSU prepares to return to action.
LSU News: The first CFP rankings are here
The inaugural 2026 College Football Playoff rankings place LSU at No. 14, just outside the top‑12 cut that fans hoped for after Lane Kiffin’s hiring. Despite staff turnover and roster changes, Kiffin’s reputation kept playoff aspirations alive, but the Tigers start the season ranked lower than expected. The roundup also highlights a dominant LSU win, Kim Mulkey’s intimidating women’s team, and ongoing NCAA eligibility debates surrounding coach Will Wade. Readers are invited to weigh in on where the Tigers might finish in the final rankings.
CFP rankings 2026: LSU ranks No. 14 in first playoff rankings
The College Football Playoff’s first 2026 rankings place the 6‑2 LSU Tigers at No. 14, just outside the top‑12 cutoff for postseason selection. Despite recent wins over Mississippi State and Auburn, LSU’s two narrow SEC losses to Ole Miss and Kentucky keep them on the bubble. A showdown with Alabama on Saturday, both teams now 6‑2, offers LSU a chance to vault into the top ranks. The Tigers still face tough road games against Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas, but a win over Alabama could put their playoff destiny in their own hands.
Now it’s legal: Will Wade’s return to LSU officially begins
Will Wade officially returns to LSU as men’s basketball head coach, marking a new era fueled by NIL recruiting. After a turbulent tenure under Matt McMahon that left the Tigers 15-17 overall and dead last in the SEC, the administration brings back Wade—who previously led LSU to success before a recruiting scandal—and who revived NC State with a 20-14 record and an NCAA tournament berth. Wade immediately overhauls the roster, targeting international talent and ex‑G League player RJ Luis, sparking SEC scrutiny. With the “Now It’s Legal” mantra, LSU hopes Wade’s recruiting prowess and fresh approach will lift the program from the conference basement.
Tigers and Cubs: Midseason edition
LSU’s mid‑season report spotlights a surge in offensive firepower and a revitalized pass rush. Quarterback Sam Leavitt, despite a hamstring nag, climbs to third in SEC completion percentage and second in TD passes, trailing only Trinidad Chambliss in yardage. Transfer RB Dilin Jones rushes for 657 yards (fourth in the SEC), punching 445 yards after contact and adding a new role as a pass‑catcher with 19 receptions in the last three games. Wideout Jackson Harris emerges as a premier WR1, posting 634 yards and tying for the SEC lead with seven TD catches. On defense, Ole Miss transfer Princewill Umanmielen fuels the pass rush with nine sacks, flirting with the school’s single‑season record. LSU sits above a 50% chance to make the College Football Playoff as it heads into the final stretch.
The AL Poll: College Football Post Week 9
The Andrew Lotz (AL) Poll challenges the AP’s weekly rankings, offering a fresh take after Week 9. Utah’s 2nd‑quarter blowout of Cincinnati lifts the Utes to No. 2, while BYU also cracks the top six ahead of their historic rivalry game. Wake Forest dominates Virginia 51‑7, jumping into the top‑10 and eyeing an ACC title rematch with Miami. USC re‑enters the Top 25 after a decisive win over injury‑plagued Ohio State, positioning the Trojans to control their destiny with games against Indiana and UCLA remaining. The article details the author’s methodology and invites reader comments.
LSU women’s basketball wins record-setting opener
The #9 LSU women's basketball team ripped apart Southeastern Louisiana 129-35 on Nov. 3, 2026, setting a program record for margin of victory. LSU jumped out to an 18‑0 lead, built a 69-9 halftime edge and never looked back. Zakiyah Johnson poured in a career‑high 33 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Milaysia Fulwiley added 20 and Mikaylah Williams hit five threes to move into fourth all‑time for LSU. The Tigers shot 58% overall, 50% from three, and outrebounded the Lions 54‑19. Coach Kim Mulkey noted Jada Williams’ limited minutes after a collision and highlighted the quick recovery of post player Noa Morrow. LSU’s next test is a home game against Texas Southern on Thursday at 7 p.m., streamed on SECN+.
LSU News: Women’s basketball is back
LSU women’s basketball returns under veteran coach Kim Mulkey with a revamped roster poised to chase another national title. The Tiger Tales roundup highlights the team’s high championship expectations, emphasizes a crucial turnover margin in the upcoming LSU‑Alabama clash on Nov. 7, and notes strict tailgating rules for fans. With excitement building in Baton Rouge, the blog asks whether the Tigers can reclaim the crown this season.
ATVS Reacts Survey: Will LSU defeat Alabama?
The LSU Tigers return from a bye week to face the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, with both teams sitting at 6‑2 and playoff hopes hanging in the balance. The blog invites fans to vote in a SB Nation Reacts poll on whether LSU can beat Alabama, emphasizing the game’s stakes and home‑field advantage for the Tigers. Readers can join the weekly emailed surveys to share their predictions.
Former LSU Baseball star wins second Gold Glove
Alex Bregman, the former LSU shortstop and #2 overall pick in the 2015 draft, has earned his second Gold Glove, this time after a breakout debut season with the Chicago Cubs. In 2026, Bregman signed a five‑year, $175 million deal with Chicago, hitting .265 with 28 homers and 93 RBIs while providing elite defense at third base. The 11‑year MLB veteran is also a two‑time World Series champion (2017, 2022), three‑time All‑Star and 2019 Silver Slugger. His college resume includes a 2015 Golden Spikes finalist nod, Brooks Wallace Award and multiple All‑American honors.
A New Season, Same Championship Expectations for Kim Mulkey and LSU
LSU women's basketball opens its 2026‑27 season tonight at 6 p.m. against SEC rival SECU, hoping to turn a painful Sweet 16 loss to Duke into a Final Four run. Coach Kim Mulkey reshapes the roster after surrendering 21 offensive rebounds and 19 second‑chance points in the previous tournament, adding 6’3″ forward Noa Morro (Spain) and 6’5″ freshman Anna Minaeva (Russia) to bolster post play and rebounding. While star guard Flau’jae Johnson departs for the WNBA, the Tigers gain veteran playmaker Jada Williams (15.3 pts, 7 ast at Iowa State) and perimeter shooters Laila Reynolds and Chloe Larry. With scorers Mikaylah Williams and MiLaysia Fulwiley leading alongside Grace Knox, LSU aims to break its Sweet 16 streak.
Tigers on the coast: Day 2 of LSU baseball exhibitions against Samford
On Sunday, LSU continued its spring‑training showcase at Keesler Federal Park, splitting a doubleheader with Samford 4‑1 in the first game and dropping the second by the same margin, leaving the day tied 5‑5. After a dominant 23‑1 Saturday showing that featured four homers (two grand slams), the Tigers saw veteran Casan Evans pitch two perfect innings, while Diego Velazquez and Kaden Smith also contributed clean outings. Offensively, Lucas Nawrocki belted a solo homer and added two RBIs, and Malachi Washington delivered a 101 mph opposite‑field blast. The performances set the stage for LSU’s opening‑day rotation ahead of the February 19 season start.
LSU Women’s Basketball opens season against Southeastern
No. 9 LSU women’s basketball opens the 2026‑27 season at home against Southeastern Louisiana on Monday, Nov. 2, 6 p.m. CT, on the SEC Network. LSU leads the historic series 37‑11 and beat SLU 115‑26 last season, matching a program‑record 89‑point margin. Senior Mikaylah Williams topped the recent exhibition with 23 points, while freshman Anna Minaeva contributed 10 in just 54 seconds. The Tigers will also host Texas Southern on Nov. 5 before heading to a multi‑team event in Fort Myers. Key SLU newcomers include transfer Micah Cooper and Lillian Merow.
LSU News: Will Wade does it again
Will Wade propels LSU’s recruiting surge, securing 5‑star guard Reese Alston and pushing the 2027 class to a national‑top ranking. The Tigers now boast the country’s #1 recruiting class, sparking speculation about Wade adding another elite prospect. The roundup also teases upcoming matchup odds, including Alabama vs. LSU, and references recent sports headlines like Angel Reese’s WNBA playoff stats.
LSU plays Samford to 5-5 tie in fall baseball exhibition
LSU and Samford finish a 13‑inning exhibition scrimmage tied 5‑5 on May 20 at Biloxi's Keesler Federal Park, after each team won a 6.5‑inning game (LSU 4‑1, Samford 4‑1). LSU’s offense featured a solo homer by freshman third baseman Malachi Washington and a two‑run blast by DH Lucas Nawrocki, both top‑150 2027 recruits, while pitcher Casan Evans struck out five in two innings. Samford responded with a solo homer from freshman second baseman Parker Loew. The Tigers next face Troy on Nov. 8 and open the 2027 season Feb. 19 against Long Island at Alex Box Stadium.
LSU Soccer Earns an SEC Tournament Berth with Draw at Missouri
LSU women’s soccer clinches a spot in the 2026 SEC Tournament after a 0‑0 draw with Missouri at Walton Stadium. The Tigers (4-9-5, 2-4-4 SEC) earned their 10th conference point, securing the No. 11 seed and a first‑round matchup against No. 6 seed Auburn on Nov. 8 in Pensacola. Forward Sariyah Bailey led LSU’s attack with two shots on goal, while goalkeeper Audur Scheving kept a clean sheet. The result also locked LSU alongside Florida as the final two teams to make the 12‑team tournament field.
Will Wade lands another 5-star recruit for LSU
LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade lands another five‑star recruit, 6‑foot‑10 center Xavier Young, who was the No. 11 overall player in the 2028 class before reclassifying to 2027. The Dallas native chose LSU over offers from Maryland, Michigan, Tennessee and TCU, bolstering LSU’s claim to the nation’s top recruiting class and signaling a potentially historic era for the Tigers. The announcement, posted on October 31, 2026, underscores Wade’s recent recruiting surge and raises questions about sustaining this momentum.
Important Games to Watch: College Football Week 9
With LSU on a bye, Week 9’s non‑Tigers games take center stage. The opening SEC showdown pits Auburn against Ole Miss at 11:45 AM on SEC Network, where Auburn seeks revenge after toppling No. 1 Georgia and Ole Miss fights to stay alive. At 2:30 PM on CBS, Minnesota travels to Indiana, aiming to continue its spoiler streak against a struggling Hoosiers squad. The marquee matchup at 2:30 PM on ABC features underdog Florida versus Georgia, as the Gators look to leverage a more diverse passing attack after a series of upsets, while Georgia scrambles to bounce back from a loss to Auburn. These games could reshape SEC rankings and impact LSU’s national standing.
LSU News: Blake Baker continues to lead a dominant group
LSU’s defense, orchestrated by defensive coordinator Blake Baker, dominates the 2026 season, ranking among only two teams in the Top 10 for both total offensive yards per game and yards allowed. Despite early injuries, the Tigers are approaching full health, and Baker’s scheming has turned late-round NFL draftees into key contributors, including rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane of the Kansas City Chiefs. With speculation that Baker could be a head‑coach candidate next year, fans debate whether he’ll remain at LSU after the season.
ATVS Reacts Results: Who is the Mid-Season MVP for LSU?
In the latest ATVS Reacts poll, 43% of voters name LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt as the team's mid‑season MVP. Leavitt has logged 2,173 passing yards, 17 touchdowns and a 70.3% completion rate over eight games, cementing his role as the Tigers' offensive catalyst. As LSU heads into the crucial SEC stretch, the junior QB aims to sustain his playmaking to keep LSU in the CFP race.
LSU Tigers Midseason Defensive Awards
LSU’s defense dominates midseason with standout performances. True freshman Deuce Geralds earns Defensive Lineman of the Midseason after posting five interior sacks and a forced fumble in eight games. Co‑Defensive Lineman Jordan Ross matches that sack total, adds an interception and a rare defensive touchdown, embodying the Tigers’ balanced edge rush. Surprise safety Jhase Thomas, now sixth in tackles with 25, secures the secondary and enables Ty Benefield’s shift to a STAR role. Defensive MVP Princewill Umanmielen leads the nation with 8.5 sacks, eyeing the school record of 12. The article highlights the depth and impact of LSU’s defensive unit.
NFLSU rookie check-in: Week 8
The Week 8 rookie check‑in highlights several emerging NFL players. Saints rookie Barion Brown posts his best game yet, returning a kickoff and catching a 57‑yard pass from Tyler Shough, though his role may shrink after the bye when first‑round pick Jordyn Tyson returns. Colts safety A.J. Haulcy records a team‑leading nine tackles in Week 7 but faces a big‑play Jaguars offense. Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane struggles covering Jaxon Smith‑Njigba but could benefit from injuries to Chiefs receivers. Falcons linebacker Harold Perkins sees increased snaps and makes key tackles against the 49ers. Tight end Bauer Sharp serves as a blocker in the Bucs’ blowout, while QB Garrett Nussmeier sits behind a healthy Patrick Mahomes and edge rusher Jack Pyburn is inactive for Kansas City.
LSU Football’s NFL Draft Stock: Entering Week 9
LSU’s latest bounce‑back win didn’t shift most draft prospects, but the NFL Draft board sees notable moves. OT Jordan Seaton becomes the sole top tackle after Trevor Goosby’s season‑ending injury, while TE Trey’Dez Green holds steady. On Day 2, S Ty Benefield and EDGE Princewill Umanmielen land in the second round, with C Braelin Moore and EDGE Jordan Ross going in the third. Day 3 drops LB Whit Weeks to the fourth round (down from a third‑round spot) due to injury, and QB Sam Leavitt and S Dashawn Spears also slip, Spears unlikely to return. Weeks could rebound to the third round if he recovers quickly.
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