Overview
- Interim coach Frank Wilson III led LSU in the bowl, while incoming coach Lane Kiffin attended, joined ESPN’s booth in the second quarter, and did not coach.
- Michael Van Buren Jr. started at quarterback with Garrett Nussmeier unavailable and threw three touchdowns in a losing effort.
- Conner Weigman tossed a Texas Bowl–record four touchdown passes and Houston, which reported a full roster, sealed the win 38-35.
- LSU’s defense was short-handed by injuries and opt-outs, with absences including Mansoor Delane, AJ Haulcy, Harold Perkins Jr., Whit and West Weeks, and Jack Pyburn.
- With the season finished at 7-6, LSU turns to staff building, recruiting and transfer-portal decisions under Kiffin, with reports indicating Wilson is expected to join Pete Golding’s Ole Miss staff.