LSU and SMU are set to play a nonconference series for the first time in the history of both programs, the schools jointly announced on Monday. The pair will play in Baton Rouge on Sept. 2, 2028, and return to Dallas on Sept. 1, 2029.
The battle is the first for the two programs since 1934, when LSU and SMU tied 14-14 in Baton Rouge. The Mustangs won the only other matchup between the schools in 1922 with a 51-0 victory in Dallas. Needless to say, college football has changed substantially since then.
While the battle is set to feature two up-and-coming college football brands with national aspirations, many questions remain about what it will actually look like when the programs run into Death Valley in 2028. We asked five of the biggest questions that could impact the matchup when they finally kick off.
1. Will Brian Kelly still be at LSU?
The Tigers signed Kelly to a massive 10-year contract when he left Notre Dame after the 2021 season, which is set to keep him in Baton Rouge through 2031. By the letter of the contract, Kelly should still be the head coach at LSU when this series takes place. Additionally, he has two 10-win seasons in three years. Still, pressure can come quickly at one of the best jobs in college football.
2. Will SMU or LSU have more CFP appearances?
LSU is one of the most successful programs of the 21st Century with three national championships. However, SMU has quickly became a serious upstart. The Mustangs captured the 2023 AAC title and played for the ACC in 2024. SMU coach Rhett Lashlee — a major up-and-comer — led the program to the College Football Playoff last season .
3. What will be SMU’s conference affiliation?
Since the matchup is only three years away, there’s a chance that it will come before the next round of major movement in college athletics. However, it’s no secret that the Mustangs are one of the most driven programs in college athletics.
4. Are QBs for the matchup on the 2025 roster?
A matchup between SMU and LSU this season would rank among the best quarterback battles on the board with Garrett Nussmeier and Kevin Jennings sitting as elite quarterback prospects. However, both teams have some thrilling young players on the roster who just might come of age in time for the 2028 season.
5. Will this matchup even happen?
Thankfully, the home-and-home matchup between these two schools is scheduled to take place only three years from now, hopefully limiting the off-field chaos surrounding the matchups.
