Lane Kiffin's return to Ole Miss as LSU coach highlights 2026 revenge games

Transfer portal moves and coaching changes have raised the stakes for these highly anticipated matchups.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Recent history, coaching changes, and player movement have set the stage for several must-see revenge games in the 2026 college football season. The most anticipated matchup is Lane Kiffin's return to Ole Miss as the new head coach of rival LSU, after leaving the Rebels amid their best season in program history. Other notable revenge games include Ohio State vs. Indiana, Duke vs. Miami, and Texas vs. Oklahoma.

Why it matters

These revenge games carry major implications for conference and playoff races, as teams look to settle scores and gain an edge over their rivals. The high-profile coaching changes and transfer portal moves have heightened the tensions and stakes, making these matchups must-see events for college football fans.

The details

The Lane Kiffin-led LSU Tigers will visit Ole Miss in Week 3, just months after Kiffin left the Rebels to take the LSU job. Kiffin convinced several Ole Miss players and coaches to join him in Baton Rouge, adding to the animosity. Ohio State and Indiana will meet in a rematch of last year's Big Ten Championship, where the Hoosiers upset the Buckeyes. Duke will travel to Miami, where former Hurricanes coach Manny Diaz is now leading the Blue Devils and facing his former quarterback Darian Mensah, who transferred to the 'Canes. And Texas will renew its Red River Rivalry with Oklahoma, with Longhorns receiver Parker Livingstone having transferred to the Sooners.

  • LSU vs. Ole Miss will take place on September 19, 2026 in Oxford, Mississippi.
  • Ohio State vs. Indiana is scheduled for October 17, 2026 in Bloomington, Indiana.
  • Duke will visit Miami on November 14, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
  • Georgia will host Ole Miss on November 7, 2026 in Oxford, Mississippi.
  • Texas and Oklahoma will meet on October 10, 2026 in Dallas, Texas.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The new head coach of the LSU Tigers, who previously served as the head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels before leaving to take the LSU job.

Pete Golding

The current head coach of the Ole Miss Rebels, who took over after Kiffin's departure and led the team to the College Football Playoff semifinals.

Darian Mensah

The quarterback who transferred from Duke to Miami, adding to the tensions between the two programs.

Parker Livingstone

The Texas wide receiver who transferred to Oklahoma, reigniting the Red River Rivalry.

Brendan Sorsby

The former Cincinnati quarterback who transferred to Texas Tech, setting up an intriguing matchup between his new and former teams.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

These revenge games highlight the growing tensions and high stakes in college football, driven by factors like coaching changes, player movement through the transfer portal, and the ongoing battle for conference and national supremacy. Fans are in for a thrilling 2026 season as these long-simmering rivalries boil over onto the field.