Overview
- Kickoff is 9:15 p.m. ET at NRG Stadium in Houston, with national TV coverage on ESPN.
- Oddsmakers list Houston as a slight favorite (about 1.5–3 points) with a total near 41.5.
- LSU will be without multiple starters due to injuries and opt-outs, including AJ Haulcy, Mansoor Delane, Harold Perkins Jr., Jack Pyburn and Whit/West Weeks, and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is out as Michael Van Buren Jr. starts.
- Houston expects a near-full roster, and quarterback Conner Weigman has announced he will return for the 2026 season.
- Lane Kiffin, hired last month on a reported seven-year deal worth about $13 million annually, will not coach the bowl game.