The first 2026 CFP rankings were released Tuesday night. LSU football and Lane Kiffin earned the No. 14 spot. The Tigers came in one spot ahead of their US LBM Coaches Poll and AP Poll rankings, and were one of 10 SEC teams included in the top 25.

LSU's Week 10 opponent, Alabama, was ranked No. 5. LSU and Alabama both have 6-2 records, and this week's game carries massive playoff stakes.

The first rankings of the year always generate buzz. Most fans will find something to be mad about, but the truth is, ranking 25 teams in order without a full season sample size is a difficult task. It's a hard job even with a 12-game sample. Still, you can always learn a few things from the first rankings.

Here are three takeaways related to LSU football's placement in the first CFP rankings of 2026.

LSU football controls its own destiny

At No. 14, LSU would be out of the CFP if the postseason began today, but LSU controls its own destiny. If LSU wins out and goes 10-2, the Tigers are in the playoff. LSU doesn't have a ranked win on the schedule yet. LSU has plenty of chances to change that down the stretch with three straight games vs. ranked opponents. If LSU wins out, the Tigers won't just be in the CFP; they'll likely earn a first-round bye. That means LSU's destiny is completely in its own hands.

The committee respects the SEC

10 SEC teams were ranked in the first CFP rankings, more than any other conference in the sport. That brewed some controversy on social media with the typical accusations of SEC bias. But the committee's respect for the SEC matters for LSU. It means even if the Tigers go 9-3, LSU has a chance to make the playoff.

Alabama was ranked No. 5, despite already having two losses. If Alabama loses to LSU but wins out, the Crimson Tide are likely in the playoff. If LSU wins this weekend, but loses to Texas before beating Tennessee, Kiffin and Co. would have a pretty good chance, too.

LSU passed the eye test

The committee punished a handful of teams without a signature win, but still respected LSU enough to rank the Tigers in the top 15. The committee is respecting how dominant LSU has been in most of its games. It also noticed that LSU's only two losses came at the hands of quality opponents and were both on the road.

On a play-by-play basis, LSU is one of the best teams in college football. That's why power rating systems like SP+ and FPI favor the Tigers, and why LSU ranks No. 4 in national championship betting odds.

Few teams match LSU's talent on both sides of the ball, and it seems the committee has noticed. LSU will still have to prove it on the field, but it seems that Lane Kiffin's team is getting the benefit of the doubt.

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