By Cole SullivanShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberOne of the biggest stories in college football over the past few weeks has been centered on Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin and what his future holds amid several outside coaching vacancies targeting him.
Two of the most prominent suitors are Florida and LSU, both prestigious SEC programs. While these appear to be the main contenders to poach him from Ole Miss — currently ranked No. 7 in the country heading into their regular-season finale against Mississippi State — we are entering somewhat uncharted territory.
Kiffin is expected to make his decision after the Egg Bowl on Friday. However, if the Rebels win, they are likely to punch a ticket to the College Football Playoff to compete for a national championship — possibly without Kiffin on the sideline.
If he decides to depart for Florida or LSU and leaves a potential playoff team behind, it would be an unprecedented move. On Wednesday, a survey conducted by On3 asked several college football personalities to make their predictions on where Kiffin will be coaching in 2026.
ESPN “College GameDay” analyst Kirk Herbstreit was among those making predictions, and like many others, he believes Kiffin will leave Ole Miss for Louisiana and become the next head coach at LSU.
More news: Josh Pate Delivers Surprising Pick Ahead of Ohio State‑Michigan Clash
...More news: Former Seahawks HC Takes Coaching Job at Deion Sanders’ Colorado Rival
The majority of respondents picked LSU as Kiffin’s next destination, with him staying at Ole Miss trailing in second place, followed by potential departures to Florida or even the NFL — the latter of which would come as quite a shock at this point.
Other notable predictions came from Paul Finebaum, who also believes Kiffin is headed to LSU, as well as Joel Klatt, Desmond Howard, Josh Pate, and Gus Johnson.
Loading twitter content...
Nonetheless, despite all the drama, Kiffin has remained focused and adamant about not addressing questions regarding his future, keeping his team fully locked in on Friday night’s Egg Bowl against a Mississippi State squad eager to play spoiler to their rival’s College Football Playoff hopes.
More news: Josh Pate Delivers Surprising Pick Ahead of Ohio State‑Michigan Clash
Request Reprint & LicensingSubmit CorrectionView Editorial & AI Guidelines
Add Newsweek as a preferred source on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Recommended For You
NCAAUrban Meyer Predicts Winner of Ohio State-Michigan3 min read
NCAAJoyce Edwards, South Carolina Shine in Dominant Win Over Duke3 min read
NCAARori Harmon’s Monster Game Helps Texas Survives UCLA, Reach Players Era Final3 min read
NCAALSU Takes Crucial Step Before Announcing Next Coach3 min read
NCAAOle Miss Makes Final Decision on Lane Kiffin for College Football Playoff2 min read
NCAA$15 Million Head Coach Accepts Major SEC Job: Report2 min readRelated Podcasts
Top Stories
NewsSarah Beckstrom, Andrew Wolfe Identified as National Guard Shooting Victims7 min read
NewsUncommon Knowledge: Trump, Biden and the Real Record of Afghan Vetting5 min read
NewsWinter Storm Map Shows Areas Possibly Getting Hit for Thanksgiving3 min read
NewsNational Guard Shooting Suspect Worked With CIA, Director Says3 min read
WorldUkraine War Live Updates—Russia Praises Trump ‘Realism’, Putin Promises Allies New Weapons2 min read
PoliticsJD Vance’s Chances of Being 2028 GOP Nominee Plunging: Polls5 min readTrending
New York8 Million Inflation Refund Checks Sent Out Ahead of Thanksgiving4 min read
WeatherWinter Storm Warning As 20 Inches of Snow To Hit: ‘Life-Threatening’4 min read
Live BlogThanksgiving Winter Storm Live Tracker, 2,000 Flights Delayed, Up To 3 ft Of Snow Expected1 min read
Live BlogDC Shooting: Two Shot National Guard Members and Suspect Pictured—Live Updates2 min read
DogsAfter 2 Days at Daycare, German Shepherd’s Return Goes Viral: ‘Never Again’3 min readOpinion
OpinionConventional Wisdom: The Anti-Thanksgiving Edition3 min read
OpinionHow to Remain Grounded and Thankful Amid the Chaos5 min read
OpinionThis Thanksgiving, Affordability Isn’t Just About the Turkey. It’s Everyday, Every Bill, Every Choice | Opinion4 min read
OpinionINTERPOL Must Not Elect One of Its Chief Abusers As Its Next President | Opinion4 min read
OpinionWhy We Care About Turkey Costs | Opinion5 min read
