The Lane Kiffin era will officially begin Saturday night when No. 11 LSU welcomes unranked Clemson to Tiger Stadium for one of college football’s biggest opening-weekend matchups.
Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. CT on ABC, with ESPN’s College GameDay also making the trip to Baton Rouge. The game will mark Clemson’s first appearance inside Tiger Stadium and the sixth meeting between the two national championship-winning programs.
LSU leads the series 4-1 after defeating Clemson 17-10 on the road in last season’s opener. This year’s rematch will feature different starting quarterbacks, rebuilt position groups and new offensive systems on both sidelines.
Despite all the attention surrounding his LSU debut, Kiffin wants the Tigers focused on their preparation.
“This will be about preparation, not hype. Really tough opponent in Clemson. Very well coached.”
LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffin
As we get ready for the Clemson game on Saturday, here is a position by position breakdown on what we should expect from the 2026 LSU Tigers.
Quarterbacks
Sam Leavitt will make his LSU debut after transferring from Arizona State. The redshirt junior brings much more starting experience than Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who spent the previous three seasons behind Cade Klubnik.
Leavitt has passed for 4,652 yards and 36 touchdowns while rushing for 816 yards and 10 scores during his college career. He also led Arizona State to the Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.
His mobility should be an important part of LSU’s game plan. Clemson defensive end Will Heldt can disrupt the pocket, making Leavitt’s ability to escape pressure and create throws on the move particularly valuable.
Saturday will also be Leavitt’s first opportunity to experience Tiger Stadium as LSU’s starting quarterback.
“It’s going to be special playing with these fans and this crowd and this environment.”
LSU QB Sam Leavitt
Leavitt does not need to force spectacular plays on every possession. If he protects the football, distributes it to LSU’s playmakers and uses his legs when necessary, the Tigers should have the advantage at quarterback.
Running Backs
LSU possesses one of the deepest running back rooms in the SEC with Caden Durham, Harlem Berry and Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones.
Durham enters his junior season with 1,258 career rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns. Berry showed his explosive ability as a freshman, finishing with 491 yards and leading LSU with 4.7 yards per carry. Jones adds a physical runner who could receive the first opportunity against Clemson after working with the first-team offense during the offseason.
Jones credits his wrestling background with helping develop the physicality and body control he brings to LSU’s backfield.
“I really say wrestling probably played a big role in my game—just being physical and then knowing your balance.”
LSU RB Dilin Jones
LSU finished near the bottom of the FBS in rushing offense last season, so establishing the running game will be one of the biggest points of emphasis Saturday. A productive rotation would keep all three backs fresh, slow Clemson’s pass rush and create favorable play-action opportunities for Leavitt.
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends
LSU’s receiving corps was rebuilt through the transfer portal with only one receiver from last year’s team on the current roster in Phillip Wright, but the group has plenty of speed and playmaking ability.
Florida transfer Eugene Wilson III is dangerous after the catch and can be used on screens, sweeps and quick throws. Kansas State transfer Jayce Brown provides a vertical threat after catching 41 passes for 712 yards and five touchdowns last season.
Ole Miss transfer Winston Watkins Jr., Illinois transfer Malik Elzy and Hawaii transfer Jackson Harris give LSU additional options in what should be a deep rotation.
Wilson believes Lane Kiffin’s system will allow LSU’s receivers to take advantage of favorable matchups.
“I’d say really just getting the playmakers in space. Then really highlighting the one-on-one matchups.”
LSU WR Eugene Wilson III
The centerpiece of the passing game, however, could be tight end Trey’Dez Green. At 6-foot-7 and 242 pounds, Green is a difficult matchup for linebackers and defensive backs. The new #7 caught 33 passes for 433 yards and a team-high seven touchdowns in 2025, setting LSU’s single-season record for touchdown receptions by a tight end.
He also scored the game-winning touchdown in LSU’s 17-10 victory over Clemson last season.
Green possesses the versatility to line up as an in-line tight end, in the slot or outside against smaller defensive backs. Despite the expectations surrounding his individual production, he remains focused on LSU’s larger goal.
“Even if it means less catches, less yards, I’m all about just bringing this national championship back to Baton Rouge.”
LSU TE Trey’Dez Green
Clemson cornerback Ashton Hampton will present a difficult matchup on the outside, but LSU can move Green around the formation to identify favorable coverage. Green should be especially important on third down and inside the red zone.
Offensive Line
No LSU position group will enter the Clemson game under more scrutiny than the offensive line.
The Tigers struggled to consistently protect Garrett Nussmeier or create running lanes last season. The group has since been reshaped around fifth-year senior center Braelin Moore, one of LSU’s most experienced offensive players that has been selected to wear #18 this season.
Moore will be joined by a group that could include Colorado five star transfer Jordan Seaton, Bo Bordelon, Maryland transfer Aliou Bah, Weston Davis, and several other transfers. Communication will be critical against a Clemson front capable of disguising pressure and creating negative plays.
Moore has high expectations for the rebuilt unit.
“We could be the most dominant O-line in the country. We just got to keep building.”
LSU center Braelin Moore
The line does not need to dominate every snap, but it must avoid drive-killing penalties and immediate pressure. If LSU can consistently give Leavitt time and average four or more yards per rushing attempt, Kiffin will have access to his entire playbook.
Defensive Line and Edge Rushers
LSU’s defensive front combines experienced transfers with one of the most talented freshman defensive line classes in the country.
Dominick McKinley returns as an important interior defender, while Tennessee transfer Jordan Ross, Ole Miss transfer Princewill Umanmielen, who is the number one defensive end from the transfer portal, Auburn transfer Malik Blocton, Clemson transfer Stephiylan Green and Dylan Carpenter give the Tigers several options along the front. Freshmen Lamar Brown, Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson have also worked with LSU’s first and second units throughout fall camp.
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker has been impressed with how quickly the young linemen have handled an expanded workload.
“They’re as good as I’ve been around, especially when you talk about a trio of freshmen,”
LSU Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker
Baker confirmed that all three freshmen are expected to see the field. Brown offers the versatility to rush from the edge or move inside, Geralds brings explosiveness as a pass rusher and the 330-pound Anderson can occupy multiple blockers in the middle.
LSU’s primary objective will be making Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina uncomfortable. Vizzina has only one career start, although he completed 29 of 42 passes for 317 yards and three touchdowns against SMU. Freshman Tait Reynolds could also receive playing time.
The Tigers must stop Clemson’s running game on early downs and force its inexperienced quarterbacks into predictable passing situations. If LSU’s veteran pass rushers and talented freshmen consistently collapse the pocket, the defensive front could become the position group that controls Saturday night’s matchup.
Linebackers
Linebacker is LSU’s most proven defensive position.
Senior Whit Weeks enters the season with 205 career tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He will wear LSU’s prestigious No. 7 jersey alongside Green and remains the emotional leader of the defense.
“We’re going to wear it with a lot of pride.”
LSU LB Whit Weeks on him and Trey’Dez Green wearing #7
Ole Miss transfer TJ Dottery gives LSU another experienced and athletic linebacker after he led the SEC in tackles last season with 98 stops. His familiarity with Kiffin’s program helped make his transition to Baton Rouge easier, while his developing partnership with Weeks could give LSU one of the SEC’s best linebacker combinations.
“It’s continued to grow honestly—from genuinely the first day we’ve met each other.”
LSU LB TJ Dottery on his relationship with Whit Weeks
There is also Davhon Keys, who is the third linebacker in the rotation that has played in 25 games and is the Tigers’ leading tackler last season with 95 tackles. Weeks, Dottery, and Keys will be responsible for limiting Clemson’s running game while identifying screens and quick throws designed to help Vizzina settle into the game.
Secondary
The most important assignment for LSU’s secondary will be containing Clemson receivers Bryant Wesco Jr. and TJ Moore.
Wesco enters the season with 72 career catches for 1,245 yards and 11 touchdowns, averaging 17.3 yards per reception. Moore is the team’s returning receiver from last season with 52 catches for 837 yards and four touchdowns. Their ability to stretch the field makes the duo Clemson’s biggest offensive threat.
LSU will counter with a talented starting secondary featuring DJ Pickett, who was a freshman All-American last season and veteran PJ Woodland at cornerback, Dashawn Spears at STAR, and finally, guys like Boise State transfer Ty Benefield, Tamarcus Cooley, and Jhase Thomas at safety. Pickett’s length gives LSU a potential matchup for Wesco, but the Tigers must remain disciplined and avoid surrendering explosive plays.
Safety Ty Benefield has been impressed with the talent LSU has assembled on defense.
“The potential of this defense is to be the No. 1 defense. We have that ability.”
LSU S Ty Benefield
Baker will likely mix coverages and pressure looks to confuse Clemson’s quarterbacks. That approach will place significant responsibility on LSU’s defensive backs to communicate and hold up in man coverage.
Special Teams
In a matchup between two talented teams playing their first game, special teams could become the deciding factor.
Sophomore Scott Starzyk is expected to handle LSU’s placekicking duties. The Tigers must also avoid giving Clemson easy field position through poor coverage, penalties or mistakes in the return game.
A blocked kick, long return or missed field goal could completely change the momentum. LSU does not necessarily need a spectacular performance on special teams, but it must play clean and prevent Clemson from creating hidden yardage.
Final Analysis
Clemson has enough talent to make Saturday’s opener competitive. Dabo Swinney’s team will try to slow the game down, force turnovers and keep LSU’s crowd from becoming a major factor.
For LSU, everything starts with its rebuilt offensive line. If the Tigers protect Leavitt and establish their running back rotation, Kiffin should be able to create mismatches with Green and their deep core of receivers.
Defensively, LSU must pressure Clemson’s inexperienced quarterbacks while preventing Wesco from producing explosive plays. Weeks and Dottery give the Tigers the leadership to remain organized, while the young defensive linemen could provide the energy needed to disrupt Clemson’s offense.
LSU has the edge at quarterback, greater offensive depth and the advantage of playing inside Tiger Stadium at night. If the Tigers manage their emotions and avoid turnovers, the Kiffin era should begin with a victory.
Prediction: LSU 31, Clemson 20