League: NCAAF Sport: College Sports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Lane Kiffin prepares for debut as LSU faces Clemson in opener

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 6:26 AM

Last updated Sep 1, 2026

Lane Kiffin prepares for debut as LSU faces Clemson in opener

Summary

The Lane Kiffin era at LSU officially begins Saturday night with a home game against Clemson. Following a 7-6 finish in 2025 and the firing of Brian Kelly, LSU overhauled its roster through the transfer portal. The Tigers secured the nation's top-ranked transfer class, featuring quarterback Sam Leavitt, offensive linemen Jordan Seaton and Aliou Bah, and additional veteran talent. Former Broncos quarterback Ben DiNucci publically challenged the team to demonstrate a physical, dominant performance in their season opener. This game serves as the first high-profile test for Kiffin to determine if the program's offseason investments and roster changes translate to on-field success. LSU did not qualify for the 12-team College Football Playoff last year and finished 3-5 in SEC play.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•LSU plays Clemson at home to open the 2026 college football season.
•Lane Kiffin assumed head coaching duties after the departure of Brian Kelly.
•The Tigers added the country's top-ranked transfer class, including Sam Leavitt.
•LSU finished the 2025 season with a 7-6 record after a loss in the Texas Bowl.

Latest Updates

6:26 AMYahoo Sports — ‘When’s The Last Time We Saw LSU Dominate Somebody?’ — Former Broncos QB Wants Lane Kiffin To Put His Money Where His Mouth Is

What they're saying

"
The Lane Kiffin era at LSU officially begins Saturday, and expectations are already sky-high. The Tigers open the 2026 college football season at home against Clemson, giving Kiffin an immediate chance to show whether the hype surrounding his arrival and LSU’s offseason spending can translate into results on the field.
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

NCAAF College Sports