LSU vs Kentucky recap 2026
LSU lets late lead slip as Kentucky wins 35-34 in overtime
Tailgate Kings | October 13, 2026
LSU had a fourth-quarter lead, two missed Kentucky field goals and multiple chances to leave Lexington with a win. The Tigers still left Kroger Field with their second SEC loss.
Kenny Minchey’s two-point conversion run ended the game Saturday night, giving Kentucky a 35-34 overtime victory over No. 10 LSU. The Tigers fell to 4-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play, while the Wildcats improved to 5-1 and 3-1.
The finish was decisive, but LSU’s missed opportunities began well before the final snap.
A lead LSU could not protect
Jackson Harris gave the Tigers a fourth-quarter breakthrough when the receiver threw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Roman Mothershed, putting LSU ahead 27-24.
Kentucky kicker Adam Zouagui then missed from 42 yards. LSU had the ball and an opportunity to shorten the game, but Sam Leavitt lost a fumble while being sacked, giving the Wildcats another possession deep in Tigers territory.
Zouagui missed again, this time from 26 yards with 3:11 remaining. LSU’s lead survived, but its next possession ended with a punt.
Kentucky took advantage of its final opportunity in regulation. Zouagui connected from 33 yards with 12 seconds left to tie the score at 27.
For LSU, the sequence turned two potential escapes into an overtime test. The Tigers needed one more sustained possession or one final defensive stop. They delivered neither.
Kentucky finishes the job
Leavitt opened overtime with a 15-yard touchdown run, and Scott Starzyk’s extra point put LSU ahead 34-27.
Kentucky answered with a crucial third-down completion from Minchey to Kenny Darby, whose 22-yard gain brought the Wildcats to the LSU 1. CJ Baxter eventually scored from a yard out.
Kentucky went for the win. With the offense spread out, Minchey ran through the middle for the deciding two points.
It was the Wildcats’ second consecutive 35-34 overtime victory, following the same touchdown-and-two-point finish against South Carolina.
Big plays offset LSU’s production
Kentucky created problems early. Baxter’s 77-yard run set up its first touchdown, and Brock Coffman returned a punt 55 yards for another score. Minchey added a touchdown on the final play before halftime to give the Wildcats a 21-17 lead.
LSU finished with a slight advantage in total offense, 410 yards to 401, but managed only 94 net rushing yards on 36 attempts. The Tigers committed two turnovers; Kentucky had none.
Leavitt completed 25 of 34 passes for 275 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Dilin Jones led LSU with 56 rushing yards and seven catches for 84 yards. Baxter finished with 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns for Kentucky.
The numbers reflected a game LSU had opportunities to win. Its passing production and fourth-quarter trick play kept the Tigers in position, but those moments were not enough to overcome the mistakes and failure to finish.
LSU returns home to face Mississippi State on Saturday, October 17. Kickoff at Tiger Stadium is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT on ESPN.
