The LSU vs Kentucky football game delivered one of the most exciting finishes of the 2026 college football season. On October 10, 2026, the Kentucky Wildcats defeated the No. 10 LSU Tigers by a score of 35–34 in overtime at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky. The Wildcats secured the victory with a two-point conversion after scoring a touchdown in the extra period. The close result made this Southeastern Conference matchup an important story for college football fans.
The LSU vs Kentucky game featured big plays, key defensive moments, strong rushing performances, and a dramatic finish. Kentucky running back C.J. Baxter recorded 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, while quarterback Kenny Minchey passed for 246 yards. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt also made important plays, including a rushing touchdown in overtime. However, Kentucky finished the game with the decisive score. Here is a complete look at the final score, game highlights, player statistics, and what the result means for both teams.
LSU vs Kentucky 2026 Final Score
The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the LSU Tigers 35–34 in overtime on Saturday, October 10, 2026. The game took place at Kroger Field, where Kentucky used its home advantage to challenge one of the highest-ranked teams in college football.
LSU entered the game ranked No. 10, while Kentucky was ranked No. 25 in the Associated Press poll. The Tigers looked to secure an important conference victory, but the Wildcats stayed competitive throughout the game. Kentucky made several big plays on offense and found a way to recover when LSU threatened to take control.
The final score came down to one decision in overtime. After Kentucky scored a touchdown, the Wildcats chose to attempt a two-point conversion instead of kicking an extra point. Kenny Minchey ran through the middle of the defense and reached the end zone, giving Kentucky the one-point victory.
LSU vs Kentucky Score by Quarter
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | OT | Final |
| LSU Tigers | 10 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 7 | 34 |
| Kentucky Wildcats | 7 | 14 | 0 | 6 | 8 | 35 |
Kentucky built a four-point lead before halftime, but LSU continued to fight back. The Tigers scored in the fourth quarter and then took the lead in overtime. Kentucky answered with a touchdown and the winning two-point conversion.
The result was especially important for Kentucky because the Wildcats had already won another close overtime game the previous week. The victory gave Kentucky four consecutive wins and improved its record to 5–1 overall, according to the official Kentucky Athletics postgame report.
How Kentucky Beat LSU in Overtime
The ending of LSU vs Kentucky was the main reason the game attracted so much attention. LSU received the ball first in overtime and quickly moved into scoring position. Sam Leavitt ran 15 yards for a touchdown, giving the Tigers a 34–27 lead after the extra point.
Kentucky then needed a touchdown to stay alive. The Wildcats faced pressure because another mistake could have ended their chances of winning. Minchey completed a 22-yard pass to Kenny Darby, helping Kentucky move close to the goal line. The Wildcats continued their drive and gave C.J. Baxter the opportunity to score from one yard out.
After Baxter’s touchdown, Kentucky had to decide whether to kick an extra point and continue the game or attempt a two-point conversion for the win. The coaching staff chose the more aggressive option.
Minchey took the ball on a quarterback draw and ran through the middle of the LSU defense. He reached the end zone, completing the two-point conversion and securing the 35–34 victory. The play ended the game and gave Kentucky an important win over a ranked opponent.
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Why the Two-Point Conversion Mattered
A successful extra point would have tied the score at 34–34 and extended the game. By attempting a two-point conversion, Kentucky gave itself a chance to win immediately. The decision carried risk, but the Wildcats executed the play successfully.
The conversion also showed confidence in Kentucky’s offense. Minchey had already helped the team move the ball throughout the game, and the coaching staff trusted him to make the final play.
For LSU, the ending was disappointing because the defense needed only one stop to prevent Kentucky from taking the lead. Instead, the Wildcats found a gap and completed the winning run. The final play quickly became the defining moment of the LSU vs Kentucky matchup.
LSU vs Kentucky Game Highlights
The game included several major moments before the overtime finish. Both teams produced important scoring drives, and special teams also played a major role in Kentucky’s victory.
C.J. Baxter’s 77-Yard Run
Kentucky made an immediate impact in the first quarter when C.J. Baxter broke free for a 77-yard run. He moved through the middle of the field and carried the ball deep into LSU territory before being stopped near the three-yard line.
Baxter scored a touchdown on the next play, giving Kentucky an early 7–3 lead. The long run put pressure on LSU’s defense and showed that Kentucky could create big plays on the ground.
Baxter continued to play an important role throughout the game. He finished with 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, making him one of Kentucky’s most valuable offensive players in the victory.
Brock Coffman’s Punt Return Touchdown
Kentucky also scored through its special teams unit. Brock Coffman returned a punt 55 yards for a touchdown after catching the ball at the Kentucky 45-yard line.
Coffman avoided several defenders and raced down the right sideline to complete the scoring play. The touchdown gave Kentucky a 14–10 lead in the second quarter.
The punt return was important because it allowed Kentucky to score without needing a long offensive drive. It also gave the Wildcats momentum during a game in which both teams continued to exchange scores.
LSU’s Passing Touchdowns
LSU responded with productive offensive drives. Sam Leavitt connected with Zach Grace for a touchdown pass during the first quarter, helping the Tigers regain the lead. Leavitt later found Jackson Harris for another touchdown in the second quarter.
The passing game helped LSU remain competitive even when Kentucky produced big rushing plays. The Tigers also used their quarterback’s running ability to create opportunities when the Wildcats put pressure on the passing game.
Despite those scoring plays, LSU could not build a large enough lead to control the final stages of the contest.
Kentucky’s Late Field Goal
Kentucky entered the final minutes of regulation trailing LSU. The Wildcats needed a scoring drive to keep their chances alive, and Adam Zouagui eventually connected on a 33-yard field goal with 12 seconds remaining.
The kick tied the game at 27–27 and sent the matchup into overtime. Kentucky had missed earlier field-goal attempts, so the successful kick was an important moment for the team.
The late field goal gave the Wildcats another opportunity to win. Their offense then completed the comeback in overtime with Baxter’s touchdown and Minchey’s decisive two-point conversion.
LSU vs Kentucky Player Stats
Individual performances played a major role in the final result. Kentucky produced strong rushing numbers, while LSU used passing plays and quarterback runs to stay in the game.
The following statistics come from the official postgame report and game recap published by Kentucky Athletics.
| Player | Team | Key performance |
| Kenny Minchey | Kentucky | 23 completions on 36 attempts, 246 passing yards |
| C.J. Baxter | Kentucky | 123 rushing yards, two touchdowns |
| Sam Leavitt | LSU | Passing touchdown plays and a 15-yard overtime rushing touchdown |
| Brock Coffman | Kentucky | 55-yard punt return touchdown |
| Adam Zouagui | Kentucky | Field goal that tied the game late in regulation |
These performances show how Kentucky found different ways to score. Baxter created explosive runs, Coffman delivered a special teams touchdown, and Minchey helped move the offense before finishing the game with the winning conversion.
LSU also showed offensive ability, particularly through Leavitt’s passing and running. However, the Tigers were unable to stop Kentucky during the final possession of overtime.
Kenny Minchey’s Performance
Kenny Minchey was central to Kentucky’s success. He completed 23 of 36 passes for 246 yards and helped the Wildcats maintain their offensive rhythm. He also contributed as a runner, scoring a touchdown before halftime and completing the decisive two-point conversion in overtime.
His performance was important because Kentucky needed both passing and rushing plays to challenge LSU. Minchey connected with teammates on key drives and helped the offense reach scoring positions.
The winning conversion was the most memorable part of his performance. Rather than relying on a pass, Kentucky used his running ability to attack the middle of the defense. The play ended the game and secured a major victory for the Wildcats.
C.J. Baxter’s Impact
C.J. Baxter was another major reason Kentucky won the LSU vs Kentucky game. His 77-yard run created an early scoring opportunity, and he continued to gain yards throughout the contest.
Baxter finished with 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns. His overtime touchdown brought Kentucky within one point of LSU and set up Minchey’s winning conversion.
A productive running game also helped Kentucky keep pressure on the LSU defense. The Wildcats were able to use different offensive approaches rather than depending only on the passing game.
What Went Wrong for LSU?
LSU showed that it could score against Kentucky, but several important moments prevented the Tigers from securing the victory. The team struggled to stop Kentucky’s explosive rushing plays and allowed a punt return touchdown that changed the scoreboard.
The Tigers also had opportunities to close the game in the fourth quarter. However, Kentucky stayed within reach and tied the score with a late field goal. In overtime, LSU scored first but could not prevent the Wildcats from answering.
The final defensive play was especially costly. Kentucky needed a two-point conversion to win, and Minchey found space through the middle of the defense. LSU could not make the stop that would have forced another overtime period.
Defensive Challenges
Kentucky gained 401 total offensive yards, according to the official Kentucky Athletics postgame notes. That production was notable because LSU entered the matchup with strong defensive numbers.
The Wildcats created opportunities through long runs, sustained drives, and special teams. Those different scoring methods made it difficult for LSU to focus on only one part of Kentucky’s offense.
For LSU, improving defensive consistency will be important in upcoming games. Preventing explosive runs and limiting special teams mistakes could help the Tigers perform better in future SEC matchups.
Missed Opportunities
LSU also had moments when it could have created a larger lead. Kentucky’s late field goal forced overtime, meaning the Tigers could not finish the game during regulation.
Close games often come down to a few plays. In this matchup, the late field goal and the overtime conversion were especially important. LSU scored a touchdown in overtime, but Kentucky’s decision to go for two meant the Tigers had no second chance after the winning play.
What the LSU vs Kentucky Result Means for Both Teams
The victory gave Kentucky an important boost during the 2026 college football season. The Wildcats improved to 5–1 overall and 3–1 in Southeastern Conference play, according to Kentucky Athletics. They also recorded a second victory against an AP top-10 opponent during the season.
For Kentucky, the result showed that the team could compete with highly ranked opponents in close games. Winning back-to-back overtime contests also demonstrated the importance of execution under pressure.
LSU, meanwhile, suffered a narrow loss after competing throughout the game. The Tigers had several strong offensive moments but could not stop Kentucky in overtime. The result gives the team areas to review before its next matchup.
Kentucky’s Next Game
Kentucky is scheduled to visit Oklahoma on Saturday, October 17, 2026. According to the official Kentucky postgame report, kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time, with the game scheduled to air on the SEC Network.
The Wildcats will look to build on their win over LSU and continue their strong run. Maintaining their rushing production and limiting mistakes will be important as they prepare for another challenging opponent.
LSU’s Next Game
LSU is scheduled to host Mississippi State on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The official LSU Athletics report lists an 11 a.m. Central Time kickoff, with national television coverage on ESPN.
The Tigers will aim to respond after the overtime defeat. Improving defensive execution and making the most of scoring opportunities will be important as LSU continues its SEC schedule.
LSU vs Kentucky Social Media Reactions
The LSU vs Kentucky finish attracted discussion among college football fans online. The overtime touchdown and two-point conversion gave fans a clear moment to discuss, while Kentucky’s upset victory created excitement around the program.
Public Reddit discussions included reactions to the winning play, Kentucky’s consecutive overtime wins, and LSU’s inability to stop the final conversion. These discussions show how a dramatic finish can continue to generate interest after a game ends.
Social media reactions should be treated as fan opinions rather than official game facts. For accurate scores and statistics, readers should rely on official team reports and verified box scores.
What Fans Are Discussing
The most relevant topics include Kenny Minchey’s game-winning run, C.J. Baxter’s rushing performance, Kentucky’s special teams touchdown, and LSU’s late-game defense.
Fans may also discuss how the result affects the teams’ confidence and their remaining schedules. These subjects provide useful context for readers who want more than the final score.
For publishers, a strong post-game article should combine verified facts with clear explanations. It should avoid presenting unverified rumors or individual social media comments as confirmed news.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the LSU vs Kentucky game in 2026?
The Kentucky Wildcats defeated the LSU Tigers 35–34 in overtime on October 10, 2026, at Kroger Field in Lexington, Kentucky.
What was the final score of LSU vs Kentucky?
The final score was Kentucky 35, LSU 34. Kentucky won after scoring a touchdown in overtime and converting a two-point attempt.
How did Kentucky beat LSU in overtime?
C.J. Baxter scored a one-yard touchdown to bring Kentucky within one point. Kenny Minchey then ran for a two-point conversion, giving Kentucky the victory.
How many yards did C.J. Baxter have against LSU?
C.J. Baxter recorded 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns, according to the official Kentucky Athletics postgame report.
When is LSU’s next football game?
LSU is scheduled to host Mississippi State on October 17, 2026, with kickoff listed for 11 a.m. Central Time by LSU Athletics.
Conclusion
The LSU vs Kentucky game on October 10, 2026, ended with a dramatic 35–34 overtime victory for Kentucky. The Wildcats combined strong rushing, a special teams touchdown, and a late field goal to stay in the contest. Kenny Minchey’s two-point conversion then completed the win, while C.J. Baxter’s 123 rushing yards and two touchdowns helped drive Kentucky’s offense.
The result gives Kentucky momentum as it prepares to visit Oklahoma, while LSU will look to respond against Mississippi State. For college football fans, the matchup provided an exciting finish and several memorable performances. The final score, player statistics, overtime decision, and next-game information are the most important details for anyone following LSU vs Kentucky in the 2026 season.
