From the moment he bolted on Ole Miss and took the job at LSU, Lane Kiffin has consistently been making headlines. Whether it be trolling rival coaches or making some absurd claims, Kiffin isn't slowing down in terms of keeping people entertained. But, is he realizing that maybe, just maybe, everyone is keeping receipts?
Tennessee suffers another legacy recruiting blow, this time to Alabama
Potentially, as LSU will enter the new season with some pretty dang high expectations. The Tigers have a loaded roster and with Kiffin in charge, this team will have no excuses in 2026, even if Kiffin is already making some. That's right, Kiffin seems to be doing his part to preach patience among the fanbase for next fall and winter. What? Sorry, Lane, but trying to make it seem like real changes won't come until Year 2 is silly - and Tennessee fans should be shaking their heads over this:
We should not allow Lane to frame LSU as some down on its luck program. Its LSU. Playoffs or bust Year 1 with that roster. https://t.co/G9a7xMd3Qp
— Greg Smith (@GregSmithRivals) May 12, 2026
Lane Kiffin trying to paint LSU as an underdog for next season is absurd
We could not agree with you more there, Greg.
For Tennessee supporters in particular, no one has forgotten about how things went this offseason with Arizona State quarterback transfer Sam Leavitt. The stud signal-caller had the Vols high on his list and an official visit to Knoxville had plenty of people thinking he'd be SEC-bound.
Well, Leavitt did pick an SEC school, but it was Kiffin who won the recruiting battle. Miami was also getting a serious look, but the elite QB has made his way to Baton Rouge and all signs are pointing to him having a big year with LSU and Kiffin in 2026.
He's not the only one, as Kiffin also brought in a ton of talent via the transfer portal, of course including multiple Rebels studs who helped power Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff. Kiffin was hoping Trinidad Chambliss would follow him too, but that did not go down.
He had to 'settle' for Leavitt, who, again, is projected to be a standout and inarguably one of the top QBs in the country next season. The Vols are going to get a close-up look at Leavitt and Kiffin next fall, as Tennessee will be hosting LSU on Nov. 21 at Neyland Stadium.
There's going to be a lot on the line for both programs, as it could make-or-break things in terms of a push for the College Football Playoff. Josh Heupel and his players would love nothing more than to serve Kiffin a big piece of humble pie thanks to a convincing win in Knoxville. Will that end up being the case?
There are still some unanswered questions for Heupel leading up to next season, of course including who's going to start at quarterback. Both Faizon Brandon and George MacIntrye are giving Heupel a lot to think about, but by the time LSU gets to town, the hope is that either Brandon or MacIntyre will be putting the finishing touches on a terrific regular season.
And against the Tigers, the entire Vols locker room will be motivated to silence Kiffin and put him in his place a bit. While Kiffin is trying to downplay next season, he can't be taken seriously there. He's now got a bit of a target on his back and the Vols, among others, will be ready to remind him that talk is cheap.
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