Kiffin return frames LSU–Ole Miss Magnolia Bowl
No. 7 LSU is scheduled to visit No. 8 Ole Miss in Oxford on 19 September, with Lane Kiffin facing his former team in a Week 3 SEC fixture.
No. 7 LSU is scheduled to visit No. 8 Ole Miss in Oxford on 19 September for a Week 3 SEC Magnolia Bowl shaped by Lane Kiffin’s departure from the Rebels. Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU after building the programme into a College Football Playoff team.
CBS Sports reports that LSU has opened the 2026 season with two wins, including a 51–10 victory over Clemson. Ole Miss reportedly defeated ranked Louisville in Week 1 before beating Charlotte in Week 2.
The coaching connection adds another layer to the fixture. Pete Golding, formerly LSU’s defensive coordinator, is reported to be Ole Miss’s head coach, while quarterback Trinidad Chambliss remains with the Rebels and is described as a Heisman Trophy contender.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is reported to have two passing touchdowns, four interceptions and five rushing touchdowns across two games. His injury status changed during the source coverage from doubtful to questionable before carrying no designation, leaving his availability to be confirmed.
Ole Miss has won three of the past five meetings, including last year’s game, while the home team has won the past six. SportsLine’s model gives the Rebels a 53 per cent chance of winning, an estimate rather than a confirmed outcome.
