McNeese Announces Ed Orgeron as Featured Speaker for 2026 Kickoff

Lake Charles, LA {KNGT-FM] - McNeese football fans will have the opportunity to hear from two of Louisiana's most respected football figures when former LSU national championship coach Ed Orgeron and current and legendary McNeese coach Matt Viator headline the 2026 Cowboy Kickoff Dinner and Auction.

The annual fundraising event, which replaces the longtime Bag Bingeaux gathering, is scheduled for August 21 inside the Townsley Law Arena. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., giving supporters, alumni, and community members a chance to celebrate the upcoming football season while supporting McNeese Athletics.

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Orgeron remains one of the most recognizable names in college football. During his tenure at LSU from 2016 through 2021, he guided the Tigers to the unforgettable 2019 national championship season, a campaign widely considered one of the greatest in college football history. That LSU team finished with a perfect record and featured several future NFL stars.

College Football Playoff National Championship - Clemson v LSU — Getty Images

The connection between Orgeron and McNeese runs deeper than many fans realize. Before becoming a household name, Orgeron spent the 1985 season in Lake Charles as a graduate assistant on the Cowboys' coaching staff. He later became a familiar face at McNeese games while cheering on his sons, Cody and Parker, who both wore the blue and gold.

Joining Orgeron at the event is Matt Viator, one of the most successful coaches in McNeese football history. The Cowboy Kickoff Dinner and Auction is expected to draw football fans from across Southwest Louisiana for an evening of stories, memories, and excitement ahead of the 2026 season.

Tables for the event will go on sale July 1, 2026. For more information, visit the McNeese Athletic Foundation website here to get your table and or tickets.