The 20th edition of the Kinder’s Texas Bowl will feature #21 Houston and LSU, set to kick off at 8:15 p.m. CT on Saturday, December 27, at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will air nationally on ESPN, with radio coverage on Bowl Season Radio and local broadcasts on SportsRadio 610 (KILT-AM). This season marks the 12th consecutive Big 12 vs. SEC matchup in the Texas Bowl, with the Big 12 holding a 6–4 series lead since the pairing began in 2014.

Houston, representing the Big 12, enters the game with a 9-3 record, its best finish since 2021. The Cougars were undefeated on the road (6-0), the third time in school history achieving the feat, including a win over #24 Arizona State. Houston’s offense averaged 31 points per game, ranking 25th nationally, while the defense allowed 18.3 points per game, 14th in FBS. Standout players include interior defensive lineman Carlos Allen Jr., cornerback Will James, quarterback Conner Weigman, tight end Tanner Koziol, and wide receiver Amare Thomas. The team earned 11 All-Big 12 selections, and head coach Willie Fritz was named a George Munger Coach of the Year semifinalist.

LSU, representing the SEC, enters the matchup with a 7-5 record and one of the top defenses in the conference. The Tigers held opponents under 20 points eight times this season and lead the SEC in interceptions, passes broken up, and passes defended. Quarterback Michael Van Buren took over in November, guiding LSU to a 2-1 record in his three starts. The team’s offensive leaders include running backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, wide receivers Barion Brown and Zavion Thomas, and tight end Trey’Dez Green. Defensively, AJ Haulcy and West Weeks anchor the Tigers, while senior kicker Damian Ramos holds school career records for field goals and total points. LSU is coached by interim head coach Frank Wilson, who has led the team to a 2-2 mark since taking over in late October.

This game marks Houston’s second Texas Bowl appearance and first since 2007. LSU will make its fourth appearance, including a consecutive trip after winning the 2024 Texas Bowl with a 44-31 victory over Baylor. The 2024 game drew 72,220 fans to NRG Stadium and reached 4.2 million viewers nationwide.

The Kinder’s Texas Bowl has become a staple of college football in Houston, generating over $30 million annually for the local economy and contributing more than $2.7 million to the DePelchin Children’s Center. Owned and operated by ESPN Events and managed locally by Lone Star Sports & Entertainment, the event continues to blend on-field excitement with community impact.

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