SEC preseason tiers: Where LSU stands entering the 2026 season

Bryan Lazare breaks the SEC into four tiers entering the 2026 season and examines where LSU fits in the conference pecking order. Plus, a look at the opening-week matchups and daunting schedules that could quickly reshape the SEC race.

By Bryan Lazare

September 1, 2026

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Photo by Michael Bacigalupi

Finally, the focus of college football fans can be on the playing field.

The first Southeastern Conference team to open its season will be Missouri, which plays host to FCS member Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Thursday night.

LSU and Ole Miss have the two most meaningful matchups of the opening weekend. Both the Tigers and the Rebels will face team power conference teams who appeared in bowl games last year.

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