LSU wants to hire a proven Power Four head coach, but the Tigers have competition on the carousel. Florida, Auburn, and Penn State are also looking for new coaches and will be looking at many of the same candidates as LSU. If Kiffin ends up at Florida and Penn State hires Missouri's Eli Drinkwitz, the Power Four options begin to dwindle.

LSU and Arkansas are programs in transition, both with interim head coaches, and each looking to build a more solid foundation for the future as they square off

Aside from a 37-yard run by Harlem Berry in the first half, Alabama's defense was dominant. LSU's offense sputtered so badly that interim coach Frank Wilson benched veteran starter Garrett Nussmeier for sophomore Michael Van Buren Jr. in the second half. Van Buren provided a brief spark, but the Tigers (5-4, 2-4 SEC) managed just 232 total yards.

LSU returning tailback Caden Durham ran for 101 yards and three touchdowns in win over the Razorbacks last season. This season, Durham is splitting time with freshman Harlem Berry. Durham has 382 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns and averages 4.7 yards per carry, while Berry has 291 rushing yards, 2 touchdowns and averages 5.0 yards per carry.

The LSU Tigers continue navigating the vetting process, fast-rising coach receiving significant interest from SEC rival.