LSU football has one game left on its 2025 schedule before handing the reins over to Lane Kiffin. The Tigers travel to Texas to face the Houston Cougars in the Texas Bowl. After taking a 14-0 lead, Houston fought back and eventually took the lead with 4 seconds left in the second quarter. LSU tried to catch up the rest of the way, but Houston ultimately won the game 38-35.
This is the first time in nearly 20 years that LSU has lost a game after leading by more than 14 points, starting in 2008.
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Now, with Kiffin taking over the program, LSU is gearing up for change. Next year’s roster will be much different and is already starting to take shape with several players scheduled to enter the portal. But before we enter transfer portal season, here are five factors that stood out in LSU’s loss to Houston.
October 18, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Louisiana State Tigers tight end Trey’Dez Green (14) catches the ball and runs with it during the first half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Bank One Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Trey Dez Green
Traydes Green has been a bright spot this season in what looks like a rough offense. He has become an incredible target in the red zone as he uses his 6-foot-7 frame to block defenders and catch touchdown passes. He had another great game tonight, catching four passes for 80 yards and two touchdowns.
December 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Louisiana Tigers wide receiver Kyle Parker (12) makes a move during the first half against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Kyle Parker
Kyle Parker had a huge night, leading the Tigers’ receiving core with seven catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. Michael Van Buren appears to need to find an open receiver; Parker is his go-to option. It was Parker’s best game since catching five passes for 75 yards and a touchdown against South Carolina.
November 30, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; Oklahoma State Sooners wide receiver Jacob Jordan (88) is chased by LSU Tigers linebacker Davhon Keys (42) during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Davhon Keys
Davhon Keys was the leading tackler on defense for the Tigers with 12 total tackles. It was his highest tackle total since recording 10 tackles on Nov. 22 against Western Kentucky. With the Weeks brothers out, Case’s task becomes onerous. He handled it very well.
December 27, 2025; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Cougars quarterback Conner Weigman (1) carries the ball during the first half against the Louisiana State Tigers at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Tamariuculi
TaMarcus Cooley is having his best game as a Tiger this season. He finished the game with a season-high 10 tackles, seven of which were solo tackles. It was his highest tackle total since nine tackles on Sept. 13 against Florida.
December 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Louisiana Tigers quarterback Michael van Buren Jr. (11) watches before the game against the Houston Cougars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
Michael Van Buren Jr.
Michael Van Buren isn’t perfect, but he can put points on the board. He made 16 of 26 field goals in the game, advancing 267 yards and scoring a season-high three touchdowns. He had one of his best games in an LSU uniform, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to beat Houston.
December 27, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Louisiana State Tigers running back Caden Durham (29) runs during the first half at NRG Stadium as Houston Cougars defensive end Brandon Mack (4) and defensive lineman Carlos Allen (5) attempt a tackle. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
punishment
LSU didn’t do itself any favors when it came to penalties. The Tigers committed nine 95-yard penalties, seven of which came on defense. Two face masks, two pass interferences, an offsides, a horse collar and an unsportsmanlike penalty helped Houston keep moving down the field and help them keep scoring.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wired: Five things that stood out in the LSU football team’s loss to Houston
