Overview
- Kiffin opted against appearing at Ole Miss–Georgia in New Orleans and is expected at an LSU women’s basketball game instead, reversing earlier chatter that he might attend with Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry.
- Reports said Kiffin had contacted ESPN about a Sugar Bowl broadcast segment, but the network was not receptive and no on-air appearance is planned.
- Six assistants under LSU contracts have been working with Ole Miss through the playoff run, a rare arrangement that fueled worries about recruiting contact around the Sugar Bowl.
- LSU is evaluating portal quarterbacks Sam Leavitt and Brendan Sorsby, per On3 reporting, with Kiffin backed by an expanded roster/NIL budget reported at roughly $25–30 million annually.
- Ole Miss faces quarterback uncertainty with Trinidad Chambliss seeking an NCAA waiver for 2026, and the Rebels are linked to Auburn freshman Deuce Knight as the transfer portal opens on Jan. 2.