LSU announces neutral site contest in 2027 vs. Houston
LSU has yet another neutral site game on its future schedule. Houston will square off in 2027 at a neutral site against the Tigers, the school announced Tuesday.
The game will take place at NRG Stadium, home of the Houston Texans. Head coach Brian Kelly’s staff is working to retake recruiting land in Texas and Houston is a prime site to get the LSU brand out even more.
“The city of Houston and the entire area of southeast Texas continues to be vital to the success of LSU, not only our football program, but the entire university,” Kelly said in a statement. “With more LSU alumni in that region than any other location outside of the state of Louisiana, it’s important that we have a strong presence in this area and this season-opening matchup will certainly enhance and strengthen the LSU brand in the state of Texas.”
The LSU-Houston contest will mark the first meeting between the teams since 2000 when the Tigers posted a 28-13 win over the Cougars in Tiger Stadium. LSU beat Houston, 35-34, in the 1996 season-opener and then dropped a 20-7 decision to the Cougars in November of 1999. LSU is 2-1 all-time against Houston, who joins the Big 12 during the 2023-24 academic year.
LSU makes another appearance in Texas Kickoff
The Houston contest will mark LSU’s third appearance in the Texas Kickoff with other games coming against Wisconsin in 2014 and BYU in 2016. The BYU contest was moved to the Superdome due to flooding in Houston the week leading up to the game.
“It’s always exciting when our football program gets the opportunity to compete in Texas, where so many LSU fans and alumni reside,” Director of Athletics Scott Woodward said. “We know our supporters will be just as excited to cheer on the Tigers to kick off the 2027 season, and we look forward to a memorable contest.”
Houston is coming off an 8-5 overall record in 2022 and the program is preparing to join the Big 12 Conference next season. As for the Tigers, they won the SEC West in Kelly’s first season at the helm with a 6-2 SEC record in addition to a 10-4 overall record.
LSU opens the 2023 season against Florida State in Orlando, kicking off the season on a neutral site once again.
