LSU’s September schedule is a monster.
The opener with Clemson might be college football’s headliner, and the trip to Ole Miss will be one for the ages as Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford. Seven days later, LSU get Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium in a game that might be even more important given that it’s at home.
Louisiana Tech offers a one-week respite, but by the time LSU gets to McNeese on October 3 we’ll really know what kind of season LSU is in for.
The FCS-FBS games are mismatches. The two programs live in different worlds and may as well play different sports. LSU will be able to rest the injured and exhale after a wild month of being front and center in college football.
FBS FUN
McNeese actually has a great history of beating Division 1 or FBS teams. The Cowboys have 13 all-time wins against the class a step above them. The last came against South Florida in 2013, though, so it’s been a while. And most of the damage has been done against the Sun Belt instead of the SEC. But it’s a proud football tradition in Lake Charles.
In 2014, the Cowboys played a tight game with Nebraska that ended up going to the Cornhuskers by seven. Last time the Pokes visited Baton Rouge, Ed Orgeron faced his son Cody who was McNeese’s starting quarterback. The Tigers won a 34-7 game.
LSU will be the only step into the FBS for McNeese in 2026.
COWBOY CROWD
The McNeese return will be a reunion of sorts for many in the LSU administration.
Dr. Wade Rousse, LSU’s System President, arrived from McNeese in December. He played a part in hiring Senior Deputy Director of Athletics Heath Schroyer and basketball coach Will Wade who spent time with him in Lake Charles.
LSU football also added former Cowboy Josh Jackson who is a defensive back.
QUARTERBACK BACK
McNeese will return its signal caller in 2026.
Texas Tech transfer Jake Strong started 11 games last year and led McNeese to a 5-7 season that included a 4-4 Southland Conference mark. Strong threw for 2,008 yards and 11 touchdowns and added seven scores on the ground.
He was the seventh true freshman in Texas Tech history to start a game. That list includes Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield. Nice company.
He’s likely to pilot Matt Viator’s offense as the legendary McNeese coach begins year two of stint No. 2 at the helm of the Cowboy program.
