FPI predicts LSU football's chances of making College Football Playoff

LSU football has not competed in the College Football Playoffs since 2019, following Joe Burrow's national championship run. In preparation for the 2026 season, the Tigers underwent significant changes, including the hiring of head coach Lane Kiffin, the signing of the nation's top transfer portal class and multiple five-star prospects, as well as retaining key players from last season.

Despite these efforts, ESPN's college football power index (FPI) still places LSU as a postseason outsider, with a 40.5% chance of making the College Football Playoffs. The system lists Texas and Georgia as the only SEC teams with over a 50% chance of making it to the playoffs, with Alabama having a 41.7% chance. LSU will face a challenging conference schedule in its inaugural year under Kiffin, but should the team manage to upset Texas, Texas A&M, or Texas, there is potential for it to secure a spot in the postseason.