In‑state rivalries return to the schedule
LSU announced that it will meet four of its in‑state brethren over the next four seasons, scheduling games against Northwestern State, UL Monroe, Southern University and Tulane University between 2027 and 2030.
Each contest is set to be a home‑and‑home proposition, with LSU slated to host two of the matchups and travel to the other two, a pattern that mirrors its traditional non‑conference approach.
Financial guarantees underline the agreements
The agreements come with financial guarantees that range from $750,000 for the 2027 meeting with Northwestern State up to $1.6 million for the 2028 contest against UL Monroe, reflecting the increasing value placed on these regional marquee games.
Historically, LSU holds a dominant edge, having beaten Northwestern State in all 12 previous meetings, routed Southern 65‑17 in their lone 2022 encounter, and maintained a 98‑game series lead over Tulane, the last of which dates back to 2009.
Athletics director welcomes the deal
ULM’s Director of Athletics, SJ Tuohy, expressed appreciation for the arrangement, noting that the guarantee provides valuable resources for the program while giving the team a chance to test itself against a Power Five opponent.
Arizona State series vanishes from LSU's site
The recent schedule tweak coincides with LSU’s decision to remove its series with Arizona State from its official site, a move that leaves the future of that matchup uncertain.
College football analysts suggest that such in‑state guarantees not only bolster revenue streams for smaller programs but also enrich the competitive landscape, offering fans additional regional rivalries to follow.