Mandatory Credit: Photo by Michael Wyke/AP/Shutterstock (13582172n) Houston quarterback Clayton Tune (3) and wide receiver Nathaniel Dell (1) celebrate the touchdown by Dell during the first half of an NCAA college football game against South Florida, in Houston South Florida Football, Houston, United States – 29 Oct 2022
Houston Cougars football to open 2027 season against LSU
The Houston Cougars football team will kick off the 2027 season against the LSU Tigers on Labor Day weekend at NRG Stadium, the university announced in a Tuesday afternoon news release.
Houston and LSU will meet in the annual Texas Kickoff, and it will be televised on one of the ESPN platforms that will be set at a later date. Houston last played in the Texas Kickoff in 2021 when it lost to Texas Tech.
“I’m really excited about this opportunity for us,” said Chris Pezman, Houston vice president for athletics. “2027 is the 100th anniversary of our university. The chance to start the season playing LSU in a true neutral site game at NRG here in town for a game we don’t have to return is a great way to begin the year.”
Houston and LSU last met on the gridiron in 2000, a game in which LSU won 28-13. The Tigers lead the all-time series, 2-1. The Cougars’ lone win came when they beat the Tigers, 20-7, on Nov. 13, 1999, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. LSU won the first matchup, 35-34, in the 1996 season opener.
“Great regional rivalries, new and old, are part of what makes college football special, and we are thrilled to announce this 2027 matchup between two outstanding college football programs that mean so much to the Houston area in the University of Houston and LSU,” said David Fletcher, general manager of Lone Star Sports and Entertainment.
“This event will bring college football fans together around an elite early season Big 12 versus SEC showdown, and we anticipate a truly electric atmosphere at NRG Stadium to start the 2027 season,” Fletcher added in the statement.
LSU has made two appearances in the Texas kickoff, including against Texas Tech in 2015 and Kansas State in 2021.
“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,” LSU head coach Brian Kelly said in the school’s 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,” Kelly added.
