LSU rivals are at the heart of what makes college sports in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) so exhilarating. From intense football battles under the lights of Tiger Stadium to hard-fought basketball matchups in packed arenas, LSU’s rivalries span generations, geography, and sports.
With a rich history, a passionate fan base, and a legacy of national titles, the LSU Tigers have found themselves in the center of some of the most iconic and competitive showdowns in NCAA history.
Let’s delve into the most heated LSU rivalries, exploring how these fierce contests came to be, what they mean to LSU fans, and how they continue to shape the Tigers’ athletic identity.
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Tiger Stadium and the Heart of LSU Football
Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge – nicknamed “Death Valley” – regularly packs over 100,000 LSU fans for thrilling game days. The passionate LSU fan base cheers on the LSU Tigers football team, which has won four national championships (1958, 2003, 2007, 2019). Those championship seasons and the team’s success have fueled fierce rivalries, especially within the SEC.
LSU Rivals in the SEC
Alabama: The Crimson Tide Clash
LSU’s biggest archrival is Alabama’s Crimson Tide. Alabama now leads the series (57–27–5 through 2024), a rivalry that intensified after former LSU head coach Nick Saban took the Alabama job in 2007. This rivalry is often considered one of the most important in college football and frequently has national championship implications. Games are typically broadcast nationally and are among the most-watched regular season contests.
Auburn and the Tiger Showdown
LSU leads the Auburn series 33–24–1. The annual matchup features two SEC teams named the Tigers and is one of the most physical games on LSU’s calendar. Memorable moments include wild finishes, high-stakes clashes, and emotionally charged matchups that have influenced the SEC standings.
Arkansas and the Battle for the Golden Boot
LSU leads 45–23–2 over Arkansas. Since Arkansas joined the SEC, the rivalry has heated up with the Golden Boot trophy adding extra stakes. The trophy, shaped like the states of Arkansas and Louisiana, symbolizes regional pride and has become one of the more unique trophies in college football.
Ole Miss and Mississippi State
Ole Miss and Mississippi State are long-time SEC rivals. LSU leads 64–41–4 against Ole Miss and 75–36–3 against Mississippi State. These rivalries include historic upsets, record-breaking performances, and games that frequently impact bowl selections and recruiting.
Florida: SEC East Tensions
In the East, LSU’s annual games against Florida have been very competitive; the series is tied 34–34–3 through 2024. These games often influence SEC title races and are known for their unpredictability and intensity.
LSU’s Non-Conference Rivalries
Florida State and Neutral Site Drama
LSU played Florida State in the Louisiana Kickoff at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, falling in a 24–23 double-overtime thriller. While not an annual game, this rivalry has grown in significance, especially as both programs frequently contend on the national stage.
Texas and Oklahoma: Renewed Rivalries
LSU has faced Texas (8–9–1) and Oklahoma (2–1) in historical matchups. Now that both schools have joined the SEC, these rivalries will become annual highlights. The games carry the weight of tradition, pride, and implications for SEC standings and national rankings.
Arizona State and Future SEC Showdowns
With Arizona State set to join the SEC, future games against LSU will add to the growing list of competitive SEC matchups. Although not historically rivals, these games promise to build new narratives as the Tigers adapt to the expanding landscape of the conference.
In-State LSU Rivals
Dominance Over Louisiana Schools
The Tigers are 22–0 against Louisiana–Lafayette (formerly Southwestern Louisiana), and 2–0 against Southeastern Louisiana. These matchups, while rare, are a source of local pride and showcase LSU’s dominance within the state.
Tulane and the Battle for the Rag
Although no longer an annual matchup, LSU’s historic rivalry with Tulane was once a heated contest for statewide bragging rights. The rivalry dates back to the 19th century and included decades of passionate games before being phased out in favor of SEC competition.
LSU Football Series Records
| Opponent | Series (W–L–T) | First Met | Last Met |
| Alabama (Crimson Tide) | 26–54–5 | 1895 | 2020 |
| Auburn | 31–23–1 | 1901 | 2020 |
| Florida (Gators) | 31–33–3 | 1937 | 2020 |
| Ole Miss (Rebels) | 64–43–4 | 1894 | 2020 |
| Mississippi State (Bulldogs) | 75–36–3 | 1896 | 2020 |
| Arkansas (Razorbacks) | 43–22–2 | 1901 | 2020 |
| Tennessee (Volunteers) | 10–20–3 | 1925 | 2017 |
| Texas (Longhorns) | 8–9–1 | 1896 | 2019 |
| Oklahoma (Sooners) | 2–1–0 | 1950 | 2019 |
| South Carolina (Gamecocks) | 19–2–1 | 1930 | 2020 |
| Louisiana–Lafayette (Ragin’ Cajuns) | 22–0–0 | 1902 | 2009 |
| Southeastern Louisiana | 2–0–0 | 1949 | 2018 |
LSU Basketball and Baseball Rivalries
Men’s Basketball
LSU basketball has a proud tradition, including four NCAA Final Four appearances. Key basketball rivalries include Kentucky, Alabama, Florida, and Tennessee. These matchups have shaped SEC tournament seedings and delivered memorable buzzer-beaters and thrilling straight games.
Women’s Basketball
LSU’s top women’s basketball rival is South Carolina. The matchup often decides the SEC crown and has produced thrilling straight games in recent seasons. The intensity increased after LSU won the national championship, challenging South Carolina’s dominance.
Baseball Powerhouse Battles
In baseball, LSU frequently faces off against Arkansas and Mississippi State. These series often determine national championship aspirations and draw massive crowds in Baton Rouge. LSU has also faced Arizona State and Texas in College World Series play, adding more depth to its national title legacy and LSU baseball championships.
The Culture of LSU Rivalries
Whether it’s in Baton Rouge or during away games, LSU fans bring unmatched energy. From the thunderous roars in Tiger Stadium to packed basketball arenas, LSU rivals know they’re in for a battle every time they face the Tigers.
LSU’s rich tradition, passionate fan base, and national titles have cemented its place in the Southeastern Conference. As more teams like Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona State join the SEC, the landscape evolves, but one thing stays the same: LSU rivals will always define some of the most passionate rivalries in college sports.
