LSU opens Lane Kiffin era with 51–10 win over Clemson
LSU’s ground game overwhelmed Clemson after a rain delay, while an unresolved eligibility dispute with the SEC remained in the background.
LSU began the Lane Kiffin era in Baton Rouge with a 51–10 victory over Clemson at Tiger Stadium, following a kickoff delayed by nearly 90 minutes because of torrential rain.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt led the rushing attack, gaining 113 yards from 12 carries and scoring two first-half touchdowns. LSU finished with 309 rushing yards from 58 attempts.
The result came as LSU’s dispute with the Southeastern Conference over roster eligibility remained unresolved. The programme had pursued legal relief to include former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who had signed with NFL teams.
A Louisiana court had issued a preliminary injunction concerning the players’ eligibility, but LSU left Wright and Harris off its official roster for the opener. The supplied account does not establish which affected players took part in the match.
Fox Sports described Clemson as struggling, while historical context has recorded increased pressure on coach Dabo Swinney after the team’s 7–6 season in 2025. The material does not report any decision to dismiss him.
