The LSU Tigers will roll into the 2026 season with plenty of new faces around the program that should be a reason for excitement after a rough 2025 season. The Tigers have someone new leading the charge, with new head coach Lane Kiffin brought in to get LSU back into national championship contention. Kiffin brings in plenty of newcomers to Baton Rouge to get the Tigers ready to compete right away in the fall. LSU will have its plate full in 2026 with the challenges the Tigers will face in Kiffin's first year at the helm. A challenging season opener against a nonconference opponent, followed by what should be a grueling nine-game SEC schedule, with one of those matchups looming as a can't lose game. LSU Battles in Tone-Setting Season Opener LSU Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks and LSU Tigers linebacker West Weeks celebrate after a defensive stop Saturday. | Alex Martin/Greenville News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Is it fair to call a season opener a must-win game? Maybe not.…