The 10th-ranked LSU Tigers venture to Music City to face the 17th-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores in a heavyweight SEC showdown that carries significant College Football Playoff ramifications for both programs.
Our in-depth LSU vs. Vanderbilt prediction provides comprehensive coverage of this pivotal matchup, featuring complete historical series data and exclusive PFSN player grades that illuminate the critical elements driving this must-see collision.
LSU vs. Vanderbilt Details
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 16, 2025
- Game time: Noon p.m. ET
- Location: FirstBank Stadium | Nashville, TN
- Predicted weather at kick:Â 78 degrees, partly cloudy
- How to watch:Â ABC
LSU vs. Vanderbilt Head-to-Head Record
The historical series between these programs spans over a century, with 33 total meetings dating back to their inaugural clash in 1902.
While Vanderbilt claimed victory in the series opener and secured another early triumph, LSU has established overwhelming supremacy throughout the rivalry’s duration, compiling an impressive 25-7-1 record that includes its current 10-game winning streak extending from 1991 to 2024.
LSU vs. Vanderbilt Grades
- LSU (75.43, C)
- Vanderbilt (92.67, A-)
- LSU (85.24, B)
- Vanderbilt (81.02, B-)
- LSU (73.5, C)
- Vanderbilt (83.3, B)
- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (78, C+)
- Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (85.8, B)
- Caden Durham, LSU (67.1, D+)
- Sedrick Alexander, Vanderbilt (N/A)
- Aaron Anderson, LSU (79.9, C+)
- Junior Sherrill, Vanderbilt (76.1, C)
- Bauer Sharp, LSU (74.68, C)
- Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt (80.46, B-)
- Jack Pyburn, LSU (79.3, C+)
- Miles Capers, Vanderbilt (81.8, B-)
- Bernard Gooden, LSU (78.2, C+)
- Zaylin Wood, Vanderbilt (74.8, C)
- Whit Weeks, LSU (70.74, C-)
- Bryan Longwell, Vanderbilt (73.79, C)
- Mansoor Delane, LSU (99.4, A+)
- Kolbey Taylor, Vanderbilt (76.2, C)
- AJ Haulcy, LSU (82.76, B-)
- CJ Heard, Vanderbilt (75.22, C)
LSU vs. Vanderbilt Prediction
When two teams ranked this highly clash, people watch, and with how closely they compare in all aspects of the game, we are all in for a good one. The LSU Tigers will look to build on the momentum they have established over the years in this contest, having won the last ten matchups since 1991.
The Vanderbilt Commodores have made significant strides in recent years, but LSU has consistently outperformed them, even as recently as last season. Not that Diego Pavia needs more fuel for motivation, but he is Vanderbilt football, and it has made them into a legitimate contender to play in the College Football Playoff. However, they must get this monkey off their back to realize that potential.
This game comes down to whether LSU can control the ball. QB Garrett Nussmeier has thrown five interceptions, and the team has also lost three fumbles. This isn’t a crazy number, but it’s enough to be worth mentioning as a factor in a tough road environment.
I think that this Vanderbilt team is up for the task and that their dynamic offense will be able to scheme away from LSU’s impressive corner, Mansoor Delane, and limit his impact on the game. If they can do this and stick to playing Vanderbilt football, they should win a thriller.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 27, LSU 20
