LSU’s matchup against Ole Miss is one of the most exciting on a weekend full of them. It features two teams facing opposite struggles — for the Tigers, their offense, and Ole Miss, their defense.
It’s sure to be a close game, and one that will ultimately be decided by the best-on-best (or best on worst) matchups between the two teams. Here are four of the most important ones to watch:
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Harrison Wallace III vs. Mansoor Delane
Louisiana State University cornerback Mansoor Delane (4) reacts during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Saturday, August 30, 2025.
Through four games, Harrison Wallace III has stood out in an Ole Miss offense traditionally known for spreading the ball around. He ranks 17th in receiving yards in the FBS this season with 343.
Mansoor Delane, on the other hand, has arguably been the best cornerback in college football this season. Delane has PFF’s second-best coverage grade among cornerbacks with 90 or more coverage snaps this season, at 89.4. The same applies to his catch rate when targeted, which stands at an impressive 22.2% on 18 targets.
Wallace has been the Rebels’ most-targeted receiver this season and a crucial part of their passing offense running smoothly. If Delane can maintain his dominant play from the first four weeks by essentially shutting Wallace down, it will throw a wrench in Ole Miss’s typically explosive offense.
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Princewill Umanmielen vs. Weston Davis
Sep 20, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers offensive tackle Weston Davis (75) blocks Southeastern Louisiana Lions defensive lineman Max Elkman (48) during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Unlike the previous matchup, this one doesn’t look promising for LSU. Davis has struggled against all levels of competition this season, giving up a total of seven pressures and two sacks to Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana in Weeks 2 & 4. That pattern continued against Power 4 teams, with seven more pressures surrendered to Florida and Clemson.
On the other hand, Umanmielen is Ole Miss’s top edge rusher this season. It’s expected that the Rebels will try to line him up against Davis as often as possible, aiming to exploit a matchup that has been problematic for LSU all year. Barring a turnaround from Davis on Saturday, expect Umanmielen to make a significant impact on the game.
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Barion Brown vs. Antonio Kite
Barion Brown 6, LSU Tigers take on the Southeastern Louisiana. Sept 20, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; at Tiger Stadium.
This is a best-on-best matchup similar to the first on the list, featuring Ole Miss’ best cornerback and LSU’s most productive boundary receiver this season.
Barion Brown emerged for the Tigers against Louisiana Tech in Week 2, earning the game ball from head coach Brian Kelly for his eight catch, 94-yard performance. Kite will arguably be the best corner he’s faced so far this season, and the Tigers will need Brown to rise to the occasion.
Kite has had a solid year for Ole Miss so far, allowing only 10 receptions on 19 targets. However, 73 of the 101 yards Kite has allowed this season have come after the catch, which is one of the best aspects of Brown’s game.
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If the Tigers can get Brown the ball in space, it could be an opportunity for LSU to make some explosive plays that have been difficult to find this season.
Patrick Payton vs. Diego Pounds
Sep 13, 2025; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Patrick Payton (6) looks over the Florida Gators offense during the first half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
This will be a key matchup for LSU’s defense to attack Saturday afternoon. Pounds has had an up-and-down season so far, with pass-blocking grades of 85+ against Tulane and Kentucky, earning SEC co-offensive lineman of the week honors for the latter performance. However, he struggled significantly against a talented Arkansas pass rush in Week 3, with a pass-blocking grade of 23.2.
Payton has been one of the Tigers’ most productive pass-rushers this season, with 12 pressures. It will go a long way if he can keep Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss uncomfortable in the pocket on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Four must-watch matchups that will decide LSU vs. Ole Miss in Week 5
