The first AP Poll of the 2026 college football season dropped on Monday and the LSU Tigers came in at No. 11. The top-15 ranking reflects the work new head coach Lane Kiffin did to build this roster after taking over a program that was middling in 2025.
Ohio State, Oregon, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Texas form the top five. Five teams in the SEC sit ahead of LSU, with Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma joining Georgia and Texas in the top-10.
LSU's Week 1 opponent, Clemson, just missed the poll. Dabo Swinney's crew was the first team listed in the receiving votes section.
LSU's ranking sets high expectations entering 2026. With a top-12 mark, LSU is firmly in the mix for the College Football Playoff. The Tigers spent a lot on this roster, signing
top-ranked transfer portal quarterback Sam Leavitt, along with potential stars like OT Jordan Seaton and DB Ty Benefield.
Kiffin came to LSU after spending six years at Ole Miss. He brought the Rebels to new heights in the modern era, including earning a CFP bid in 2025.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football earns top-12 ranking in first AP Poll
