LSU football fans should get excited, as the school has officially announced a home-and-home series against SMU for the 2028 and 2029 seasons. The kickoff for the first game is set for September 2, 2028, in Baton Rouge, with a return matchup slated for September 1, 2029, in Dallas.
This upcoming clash could be a highly competitive affair. SMU, now a member of the ACC, enjoyed a successful season last year with an 11-3 record, earning a position in the 12-team College Football Playoff. Although they were eliminated by Penn State in the first round, their rise under head coach Rhett Lashlee is noteworthy.
The Mustangs have shed their historical reputation and are now drawing attention for their ascent on the national stage, supported by their significant financial resources. For LSU’s head coach Brian Kelly, securing a matchup with a resurgent team like SMU enhances the Tigers’ non-conference schedule, which is vital for building a postseason-worthy resume.
In the previous season, LSU had a solid 9-4 record but fell short of making the Playoff. As college football evolves with the new Playoff format, matches like this could play a pivotal role in a team’s postseason aspirations.
Although details regarding game times and broadcasting are yet to be announced, this announcement reflects LSU’s ongoing strategy to fortify its schedule with strong opponents in this new era of college football.
As the anticipation grows over the next few years, fans have reason to be enthusiastic about this matchup, especially if SMU continues to climb the ranks and becomes a top-25 contender by then.