iStockphoto / USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
The LSU vs. Ole Miss college football game in 2026 will undoubtedly be one of the most watched next season. Lane Kiffin will return to Oxford after bailing on the Rebels for Baton Rouge.
A kickoff time has been revealed for that matchup, which will take place on September 19th. The SEC welcomed chaos with a primetime slot.
The game will start at 6:30 PM CT. Fans will have plenty of opportunity to pregame before entering Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Ole Miss-LSU time revealed.
🚨SCHEDULE UPDATE🚨
6:30 PM CT vs LSU
11:00 AM CT vs Mississippi State#HottyToddy pic.twitter.com/3aCT7Y3YAJ— Ole Miss Football (@OleMissFB) May 12, 2026
The decision doesn’t necessarily come as a surprise. As previously mentioned, it should be the most popular game on television that weekend.
Drama is destined to unfold. Emotions will run high. The Ole Miss faithful will be ready to give their former coach the coldest of welcomes.
Kiffin, himself, spoke on the homefield advantage that comes with hosting night games while coaching in Oxford.
“I think it’s proven over time in the NFL and college [that playing at night is beneficial],” he said. “Playing at night in an electric atmosphere is a homefield advantage… LSU gets to play at night again, I guess? Shocker… I feel bad for our fans not having one night conference game.”
“LSU gets to play at night again, I guess? Shocker. That’s two for two them…I feel bad for our fans not having one night conference game.” – @Lane_Kiffin on learning that Ole Miss’ game against Georgia will be an afternoon game pic.twitter.com/pqTeSoYfyP
— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) October 28, 2024
Kiffin is now on the other side of the rivalry. The tables have turned with Ole Miss gifted a primetime slot. The coach is a big reason why. He’s done his part to fuel the fire with his commentary throughout the offseason.
While many are excited about Kiffin’s highly anticipated return, the Oxford Police Department is not celebrating.
Mississippi police respond to the announcement.
https://t.co/crlm23HbSq pic.twitter.com/6thy9Qg48J
— Oxford Police Department (@OxfordPolice) May 13, 2026
They know that tensions will be high. Alcohol in the pregame leadup will only make the situation more volatile.
The department will have its work cut out for it when the Tigers come to town.
The contest will be the SEC opener for both schools. It will be the first big home game for the Rebels, who begin their season with a neutral site matchup vs. Louisville.
It will be a sellout. The Grove will be rocking in the pregame leadup. Those that imbibe in excess at the tailgate could create some chaos, as was experienced in the rivals’ recent baseball series.
Local police will have sights set on minimizing confrontation.