Magnolia Bowl
2026

How to Get Magnolia Bowl 2026 Tickets

Given the unprecedented storylines surrounding the 2026 Magnolia Bowl, tickets will be in extremely high demand. This game is already being called one of the hottest tickets of the 2026 college football season. BigStub connects you with verified sellers offering authentic tickets at competitive, all-in prices. Every transaction includes buyer protection and verified seller authentication through our secure marketplace.

Tips for Securing Magnolia Bowl Tickets

1. Act early – This will be one of the most sought-after tickets of the 2026 college football season. Don't wait until game week to secure your seats.
2. Understand the venue – Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi holds approximately 64,038 fans. Premium sideline seats and lower-bowl sections tend to sell first.
3. Consider the atmosphere – Student sections and areas near the Ole Miss faithful will be especially electric given the Kiffin storyline. Choose your seating accordingly.
4. Plan your Oxford trip – Hotels in Oxford book up months in advance for major SEC games. Make lodging arrangements immediately.
5. Review all-in pricing – Our displayed prices include all fees, so you know exactly what you'll pay at checkout.

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium: Where the Drama Unfolds

Located on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Vaught-Hemingway Stadium has been the home of Ole Miss football since 1915. Named after former coaches John Vaught and Judge William Hemingway, the stadium has undergone multiple renovations and expansions, reaching its current capacity of approximately 64,038.

The Grove, Ole Miss's legendary tailgating area, transforms into a sea of red and blue on game days. It's considered one of college football's premier pregame experiences, where fans gather under oak trees for food, fellowship, and Rebel spirit. The atmosphere for the 2026 Magnolia Bowl promises to be particularly charged as fans prepare to face their former coach.

The SEC's New Nine-Game Schedule

The 2026 season marks the SEC's transition to a nine-game conference schedule as part of its expansion to 16 teams. Under this new format, each team plays three permanent annual opponents while rotating through the remaining conference schools. For LSU, those permanent rivals are Arkansas, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M—ensuring the Magnolia Bowl remains a protected fixture on both schools' schedules.

Notably, LSU is making back-to-back trips to Oxford in 2025 and 2026 to accommodate the logistics of the new SEC schedule. The 2026 matchup will be played at Ole Miss (Vaught-Hemingway Stadium), with LSU hosting in 2027.

Lane Kiffin's Coaching History

Lane Kiffin has never been a stranger to controversy or dramatic job changes. Before Ole Miss, he had notable stops at USC (where he was fired mid-season in 2013), Alabama (as offensive coordinator under Nick Saban), Florida Atlantic (where he rebuilt the program), and famously, Tennessee—where he lasted just one season before departing for USC in 2010.

His six seasons at Ole Miss (2020-2025) represented his longest tenure at any single program. Kiffin led the Rebels to a 55-19 record, four seasons of 10 or more wins, and transformed them into legitimate SEC championship and national title contenders. His departure to a direct rival has reignited criticism about his loyalty while also positioning LSU to compete for championships immediately.

What Lane Kiffin's Move Means for Both Programs

For LSU, hiring Kiffin represents a bold statement of intent. The Tigers are paying approximately $13 million annually on a seven-year contract to land one of college football's most innovative offensive minds. Kiffin's track record of developing quarterbacks and creating high-powered offenses should translate well at a program that has won three national championships since 2000.

For Ole Miss, the transition to Pete Golding offers defensive stability while the program seeks to maintain its newfound status among the SEC elite. Golding's experience under Nick Saban and his success coordinating the Rebels' defense provides a strong foundation, even as the program loses several offensive coaches who followed Kiffin to Baton Rouge.

Historic Magnolia Bowl Moments

The Magnolia Bowl has produced some of college football's most memorable moments:

• 1959 – Cannon's Halloween Run: Billy Cannon returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown, breaking seven tackles, as No. 1 LSU defeated No. 3 Ole Miss 7-3. The play remains one of the most iconic in college football history.
• 2003 – Championship on the Line: LSU defeated Ole Miss 17-14 before a record crowd, clinching a spot in the SEC Championship Game. The Tigers went on to win both the SEC title and the BCS National Championship.
• 2014 – Playoff Implications: LSU's Ronald Martin intercepted Bo Wallace's end zone pass with 9 seconds left, preserving a 10-7 victory that ended Ole Miss's undefeated season.
• 2023 – Highest-Scoring Game: Ole Miss defeated LSU 55-49 in the highest-scoring game in rivalry history, resulting in a $100,000 SEC fine for field rushing.
• 2025 – Undefeated Showdown: Ole Miss defeated No. 4 LSU 24-19 in the first meeting between undefeated teams since 1959, with Lane Kiffin still coaching the Rebels.

Follow Both Programs

• Ole Miss Football: olemisssports.com
• LSU Football: lsusports.net
• SEC Sports: secsports.com
• Ole Miss Twitter: @OleMissFB
• LSU Twitter: @LSUfootball

Frequently Asked Questions: Magnolia Bowl 2026

When is the Magnolia Bowl 2026?

The Magnolia Bowl 2026 will be played on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi. The SEC officially announced this date on December 11, 2025 as part of its 2026 schedule release. This game falls in Week 3 of the college football season and serves as LSU's SEC opener under new head coach Lane Kiffin.

What is the Magnolia Bowl?

The Magnolia Bowl is the name given to the annual football rivalry game between the LSU Tigers and Ole Miss Rebels. The name references the magnolia, which is the state flower of both Louisiana and Mississippi. The rivalry dates back to 1894 and has been played annually without interruption since 1945. A trophy featuring a crystal magnolia blossom has been awarded to the winner since 2008.

Where is the Magnolia Bowl 2026 being played?

The 2026 Magnolia Bowl will be played at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on the University of Mississippi campus in Oxford, Mississippi. The stadium holds approximately 64,038 fans and has been Ole Miss's home field since 1915. LSU and Ole Miss alternate hosting the rivalry game each year.

Why is Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford so significant?

Lane Kiffin coached Ole Miss for six seasons from 2020-2025, compiling a 55-19 record and leading the program to unprecedented success including an 11-1 record and College Football Playoff berth in 2025. His shocking decision to leave for rival LSU on November 30, 2025, turned him from a beloved figure in Oxford to a villain. The 2026 game marks his first return to Oxford as the opposing coach, and emotions will be running extremely high.

Who is Ole Miss's head coach for 2026?

Ole Miss promoted defensive coordinator Pete Golding to head coach immediately after Lane Kiffin's departure. Golding had served as the Rebels' DC since 2023 and previously held the same position at Alabama under Nick Saban from 2018-2022. His defense ranked among the nation's best in 2025, allowing just 20.1 points per game.

What is the all-time record in the LSU-Ole Miss rivalry?

LSU leads the all-time series with 65 victories to Ole Miss's 40, with 4 games ending in ties. The rivalry has been played over 110 times since 1894 and has been contested annually since 1945. Ole Miss won the most recent meeting in 2025 by a score of 24-19.

How much are Magnolia Bowl 2026 tickets?

Ticket prices for the 2026 Magnolia Bowl will vary based on seating location and demand. Given the Lane Kiffin storyline, this game is expected to be one of the highest-demand matchups of the entire 2026 season. Prices range from upper-level general admission to premium sideline seats. Our platform displays all-in pricing that includes all fees.

What is The Grove at Ole Miss?

The Grove is Ole Miss's famous tailgating area, located in the center of campus adjacent to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Fans set up elaborate tents and gather under oak trees for food, drinks, and pregame festivities. It's considered one of college football's premier tailgating experiences and is a must-see for any visitor to Oxford on game day.

Is the Magnolia Bowl a protected SEC rivalry?

Yes, the Magnolia Bowl is one of the SEC's protected annual rivalry games. Starting in 2026 with the SEC's new nine-game conference schedule, LSU and Ole Miss are designated as permanent opponents who will play each year. This ensures the historic rivalry continues uninterrupted despite the conference's expansion to 16 teams.

What time will the Magnolia Bowl 2026 kick off?

Kickoff times for SEC games are typically announced closer to the game date, often just weeks in advance. Given the significance of Lane Kiffin's return and the rivalry's profile, this game is likely to receive a premium television slot on CBS, ESPN, or ABC. Check back for updates as the schedule is finalized.

Can I tailgate at the Magnolia Bowl in Oxford?

Yes, tailgating is a central part of the Ole Miss game day experience. The Grove opens early on game days, and fans set up tents, tables, and elaborate spreads. Visiting fans are welcome in The Grove, though space is limited and fills up quickly for major games. Plan to arrive early to experience Oxford's legendary tailgating scene.

Who won the 2025 Magnolia Bowl?

Ole Miss won the 2025 Magnolia Bowl 24-19 over No. 4 LSU at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 27, 2025. It was the first meeting between undefeated teams since 1959. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss threw for over 300 yards, and the Rebels defense held LSU to just 254 total yards. Lane Kiffin was still coaching Ole Miss at the time.

How much is Lane Kiffin's LSU contract?

Lane Kiffin signed a seven-year, $91 million contract with LSU, making him one of the highest-paid coaches in college football. The deal averages more than $13 million annually and includes various performance bonuses.

How do I get to Oxford, Mississippi for the game?

Oxford is accessible via Memphis International Airport (approximately 80 miles north) or Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (approximately 165 miles south). The town is located off Highway 6 in north-central Mississippi. Hotels in Oxford book up months in advance for major SEC games, so make lodging arrangements immediately.

Why should I buy Magnolia Bowl tickets from this site?

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