Three LSU football players with something to prove in the bowl game

LSU football’s offseason is in full swing, with Tigers fans looking at all of college football’s stars and wondering which ones might end up in Baton Rouge when the Transfer Portal closes in mid-January.

New head coach Lane Kiffin became notorious for his excellence at using the portal to build his teams at Ole Miss, bringing in a top-five class in ’22, ’23 and ’24.

That trend is expected to continue in his new role at LSU, making the Tigers’ appearance in the Texas Bowl on December 27th a crucial game for several LSU players. Although Kiffin is undoubtedly familiar with the roster by now, that game will likely serve as a kind of tryout for LSU’s current players, as their performance may determine their chances at a starting role in 2026.

Here are three LSU players who need to deliver their best in the Texas Bowl.

Kyle Parker – Wide Receiver

Parker was one of the younger receivers in LSU’s passing game this season, but it seemed like things consistently went well whenever he was involved. He’s yet to be the feature receiver in the offense over his three seasons with the team, but if he delivers the kind of performance he’s capable of in the Texas Bowl, it could lead Kiffin to plan on Parker having a significant role during his redshirt junior year.

Michael Van Buren – Quarterback

Van Buren transferred to LSU from Mississippi State ahead of the 2025 season and started LSU's final three games. He didn’t have the performances many hoped to see against Arkansas and WKU’s lower-caliber defenses, and he really struggled against Oklahoma, throwing for less than 100 yards on 26 passing attempts. Over his three starts, Van Buren amassed six turnover-worthy plays, per PFF.

On3 reporter Pete Nakos lists LSU as a frontrunner for landing Florida quarterback DJ Lagway in the upcoming transfer portal, but if Van Buren can really impress Kiffin and his staff, he might be able to dissuade them from looking elsewhere at quarterback.

Ory Williams – Offensive Tackle

Williams got some valuable snaps as the Tigers’ starting right tackle this season, facing Southeastern Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas and Western Kentucky. Williams performed well when on the field, allowing just one pressure across 85 pressure opportunities this season, per PFF.

Williams has the opportunity to prove to the team’s staff that he deserves a real shot at the starting role in 2026 if he performs well against Houston.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Three LSU football players with something to prove in the bowl game