Overview
- Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 27 at 9:15 p.m. ET on ESPN at Houston’s NRG Stadium.
- LSU plays its finale under interim coach Frank Wilson III following Brian Kelly’s firing, with Lane Kiffin set to take over in 2026.
- Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier will not be available for LSU, with Michael Van Buren Jr. in line after starting the last three games.
- Multiple LSU defensive starters are expected to be out, including AJ Haulcy, Mansoor Delane, Harold Perkins Jr., Jack Pyburn and West Weeks, with Whit Weeks sidelined by injury.
- Houston enters 9-3 with coach Willie Fritz saying the Cougars have everyone available, led by QB Conner Weigman, who has announced he will return for his senior season.