LSU opens 2026 season with 51-10 rout of Clemson
Sam Leavitt led LSU’s offence as the Tigers surged to a 31-3 half-time lead in the season opener, which was delayed by two hours because of weather.
LSU began the 2026 college football season with a 51-10 win over Clemson, in a game that also marked the start of the Lane Kiffin era at LSU, according to Yahoo Sports.
The match was delayed by approximately two hours before LSU established control. Clemson opened the scoring with a field goal, but LSU responded with a 10-3 lead before Jordan Ross returned an interception for a touchdown.
LSU extended its advantage to 31-3 by half-time. Quarterback Sam Leavitt scored twice during the first half, including a rushing touchdown and a 13-yard touchdown pass, as LSU’s offence continued to find openings against Clemson.
Leavitt later connected with Winston Watkins Jr for a 32-yard touchdown, while Dilin Jones added a second rushing touchdown. Phillip Wright III caught a 32-yard touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter as LSU moved 51-3 ahead.
Clemson scored its only touchdown inside the final five minutes. Leavitt was named LSU’s player of the game and was reported to have thrown for 230 yards. LSU’s win was also projected to improve its position in the AP Top 25, although no official rankings update was available in the source material.
