BEAUMONT, Texas – Lamar University football is on the climb in the national polls once again. After an impressive Southland-opening win at Nicholls Saturday, the Cardinals climbed two spots in the AFCA Coaches Poll moving up to 13^th and now sit alone in 14^th in the STATS Perform FCS Poll. The most significant jump came from FCS Triumvirate Poll where LU cracked the top 10 entering the week ninth overall. The Cardinals also gained some traction in the FCS Nation Poll (14^th) and Redshirts Top 25 Poll (13^th).
 
The upward trajectory has been consistent throughout the early stages of the 2026 season. Lamar has started the season 3-1 (for a third consecutive year), a record which is more impressive when you consider the Cardinals have been on the road each of the past three weeks.
 
The Cardinals rolled into Thibodaux, La., over the weekend and put up 28 points in the first quarter and never allowed Nicholls back into the game on their way to a 49-18 decision. It was the first win in Thibodaux since 2014 and just the third in program history.
 
Big Red now returns home to host Northwestern State Saturday. The contest - LU's first home game since the Aug. 29^th season opener – will kick off at 6 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium. It will also be broadcast on Newstalk 560 KLVI and streamed live on ESPN+.