This is the third in a series of previews and predictions for the 2026 Alabama football season. The series works back from the Tuscaloosa Iron Bowl, skips UT-Chattanooga, goes to the Vanderbilt road game, and now LSU.
Another November Saturday night in Death Valley, the home of the LSU Bengal Tigers. The almost always pivotal game is historically unique for the Crimson Tide. In the 90 games, Alabama has had more success in Baton Rouge than at home (Birmingham and Tuscaloosa). Compared to a 60.9% winning percentage in home games, Alabama is 73.3% on LSU's home field.
Going back to 2006, Alabama has lost in Baton Rouge only twice: in 2020 and the overtime loss in 2022.
Detailing LSU's new level of talent does not require discussing a list of players. Lane Kiffin, with a purported $40 million to maybe $50 million or more war chest, has loads of talent, especially on the offensive side of the ball. Much has been written about the injury recovery of transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt. His previous injury will not be a factor in November; in fact, Kiffin recently explained Leavitt is already at 100%.
Analyzing Alabama and LSU Position Groups
The always trustworthy Phil Steele offers a good guide. In his annual breakdown of top college football position groups, Steele ranks LSU above Alabama at quarterback, running back, offensive line, and linebacker. He also gives LSU a slight edge at defensive line. Alabama gets the nod over LSU at receiver and defensive back (though LSU is not far behind). Steele gives the Crimson Tide a big advantage in special teams.
A conclusion can be jumped to: LSU has too much talent for Alabama. Let's hold off on that conclusion. Phil Steele projects the Crimson Tide as the SEC's No. 3 team with LSU at No. 7. The Bengal Tigers have a tougher schedule than the Crimson Tide.
Long before LSU hosts Alabama, the Bengal Tigers will travel to Oxford and host Texas A&M. The week after playing Alabama, LSU has Texas at home, followed a week later by Tennessee in Knoxville. The SI.com LSU site projects Ole Miss, Texas, and Texas A&M as more dangerous opponents for the Bengal Tigers than the Crimson Tide. In another story, the same source suggests that Alabama might be a trap game for LSU.
Current betting odds have LSU favored against the Crimson Tide. If the Bengal Tigers lose to Ole Miss and Texas A&M in September and in November, and are looking ahead to Texas and Knoxville, the Alabama game could be an implosion for LSU.
Game Prediction: Alabama 31 - LSU 28
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