A couple of pretty good college teams will hit the NRG Stadium field in Houston on Saturday night as the LSU Tigers and the No. 22-ranked Houston Cougars do battle in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl.
And, before anyone asks, no, Lane Kiffin is not coaching in this bowl game. Frank Wilson III, who has served as LSU’s interim head football coach since the school fired Brian Kelly, will be the main man on the sidelines. Still, Kiffin will be observing what takes place as the 7-5 Tigers go up against the 9-3 Cougars.
LSU Tigers Opt-Outs and Injury Report
While this season has been a topsy-turvy one for LSU fans in Baton Rouge, La., and beyond, those fans probably would have loved to see a solid representation of Tigers players on the field. According to the PFSN CFB Offense Impact metrics, LSU has an impact score of 74.8 and grades out to a C.
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But some players have decided to opt out of playing in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl. For the Tigers, those players include wide receiver Aaron Anderson and cornerback Mansoor Delane, who have declared for the 2026 NFL Draft.
Meanwhile, offensive lineman Carius Curne and defensive lineman Ahmad Breaux are entering the transfer portal. Curne is no longer with LSU, but Breaux has said that he would play on Saturday night. Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. decided to skip this bowl game. He’s preparing to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl.
Center Braelin Moore and wide receiver Nic Anderson are expected to play in the Kinder’s Texas Bowl. Wilson has already said that team captains Garrett Nussmeier and Whit Weeks will not be available. Defensive end Jack Pyburn might also choose to skip the bowl game.
Houston Cougars Opt-Outs and Injury Report
As for Houston, they will miss offensive lineman Demetrius Hunter, who started for the Cougars in protecting starting quarterback Connor Weigman. Hunter has entered the transfer portal as well. According to the PFSN CFB Offense Impact metrics, Houston has an impact score of 77.0 and grades out to a C+.
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Other Cougars who are injured at this time include wide receivers JayShon Ridgle, Stephon Johnson, Devan Williams, and Marquis Shoulders, who are all ruled out. Tight ends Traville Frederick Jr. and Jayden York are out, too. Additionally, running back Re’Shaun Sanford II is not playing.
How to Watch the Texas Bowl
The LSU-Houston matchup will be shown on ESPN and it’s scheduled to start at 9:15 p.m. ET. Streaming options include using the ESPN app, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV (Orange). Subscriptions might be needed for some of these options, too.
Tom Hart will be calling the action, while Cole Cubelic will provide commentary. Jordan Rodgers will be on the sidelines with reports throughout the game.
