In a dramatic weekend of college football, LSU and Texas A&M both faced crushing defeats that could significantly impact their chances at making the College Football Playoff.
Why it matters: The losses for LSU and Texas A&M affect their rankings and complicate their paths to the playoffs. With the stakes high, these defeats could alter the dynamics of the SEC.
Key facts
Texas A&M lost to unranked Kentucky 31-21 on September 19, 2026, as a 16.5-point favorite.
LSU fell to No. 8 Ole Miss 32-24, dropping their playoff odds from over 51% to nearly 28%.
Both teams were ranked in the top 10 for the first time in 64 years when they met.
LSU has a tough schedule ahead, facing four ranked opponents in November.
Driving the news: On Saturday, September 19, Texas A&M was stunned by Kentucky, who scored 21 unanswered points in the third quarter to secure a 31-21 victory. This loss marks a major upset for the Aggies, who entered the game as a heavy favorite and were previously ranked No. 9.
The defeat handed Texas A&M its first loss of the season and could have serious implications for their playoff aspirations.
Kentucky celebrated its first signature win under head coach Will Stein with this victory.
After the loss, Texas A&M’s path to the College Football Playoff became significantly more challenging.
The big picture: LSU's loss to Ole Miss was equally devastating. The Tigers rallied from a 17-point deficit to tie the game late but fell short after an interception in the end zone sealed their fate.
LSU's playoff odds plummeted from over 51% to about 28% following the defeat, as ESPN's Playoff Predictor now gives them roughly a one-in-four chance of making the 12-team playoff.
Head coach Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford was marked by this important victory for Ole Miss, strengthening their own playoff case.
For LSU, the loss impacted their immediate playoff hopes and highlighted their need to improve in upcoming games.
What they're saying: Kiffin expressed pride in his team’s ability to battle back after being down, noting, "To be down like that at half and score and let them go down and score and then come back... that’s really good." His comments underscored the resilience shown by Ole Miss throughout the game.
Meanwhile, LSU's quarterback Sam Leavitt faced criticism for his slow starts, which have plagued the team in recent games.
Leavitt had only 51 passing yards and 23 rushing yards at halftime against Ole Miss, contributing to the team's initial struggles.
Coach Kiffin remarked on the pressure put on his team, stating, "My biggest fear every minute was when the game’s at the end and Trindad had the ball in his hand."
By the numbers: The statistics from both games reveal the challenges faced by each team.
In the Texas A&M game, the Wildcats outscored the Aggies 21-0 in the third quarter.
LSU outgained Ole Miss in total yards but failed to capitalize on key opportunities, finishing with 330 total yards compared to Ole Miss's 426.
LSU's rushing game showed promise, amassing 176 yards, with Dilin Jones leading with 106 yards on 23 carries.
What's next: Both teams must regroup quickly as they look ahead to their next matchups. LSU faces Texas A&M next week, a rivalry game that has become increasingly important after the Aggies' recent loss.
LSU is projected to be safely in the playoff at a 10-2 record, allowing for one more loss in the remaining nine games.
Texas A&M will need to bounce back decisively to remain in playoff contention, starting with a favorable schedule ahead.
As the season progresses, both teams face a gauntlet of ranked opponents, particularly in November, which will be decisive for their playoff aspirations.