Lane Kiffin makes LSU head coaching debut against Clemson in Baton Rouge

Lane Kiffin coached his first game as the head coach for LSU on September 6, 2026, at Tiger Stadium. The start of the contest against Clemson was delayed by two hours due to heavy rain and lightning. Once play began at 8:40 p.m. local time, LSU opened the game with a pregame pyrotechnics display. On the team's second play from scrimmage, quarterback Sam Leavitt threw an interception. The LSU defense held Clemson without a first down on the subsequent drive, though Clemson kicker Nolan Hauser successfully converted a 49-yard field goal. That scoring play gave Clemson a 3-0 lead with 13:28 remaining in the first quarter. The match remains in progress as the Tigers navigate the initial stages of the Kiffin era.

• 1:53 AMYahoo Sports — Lane Kiffin's LSU era against Clemson starts with fireworks -- then interception