When is Clemson vs LSU: Date, Time, Where to Watch Clash of Tiger's, Odds, Expert Picks, Team and Player News, Betting Trends, and Stats
Lane Kiffin makes his LSU debut against the Clemson Tigers in Baton Rouge. Both teams finished 7-6 overall last season after losing their bowl games.
This season, Clemson turns the page at quarterback with Christopher Vizzina expected to lead an offense that ranked outside the top 50 in scoring a year ago.
LSU signed Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt to revitalize an offense that ranked 101st nationally in points per game in 2025. With Kiffin’s arrival, the Tigers aggressively used the transfer portal, adding numerous players (including several from Ole Miss).
When is LSU vs Clemson, Date, Time, and How to Watch
Who: Clemson at No. 11 LSU
Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Location: Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
TV: WCIV (ABC)
Streaming: ESPN.com or the ESPN app. A subscription or TV provider login is required.
Radio: 98.5 FM in Charleston. See statewide affiliates here.
Series: LSU leads 4-1
Odds: LSU is favored by 10.5 points with a 75.3% chance to win, according to ESPN. The over/under is 51.5 points.
Who’s playing?
Clemson and LSU are once again kicking off the season against each other after playing the first leg of the home-and-home series in 2025. LSU won 17-10 in that game.
LSU vs. Clemson Odds
Latest odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook (as of Monday):
Moneyline: LSU -380 | Clemson +300
Spread: LSU -10.5 (-115)
Total: 51.5 points
LSU Tigers
Head Coach: Lane Kiffin
2025 Record: 7-6 (3-5 SEC)
Offensive Points Per Game: 22.8 (101st)
Defensive Points Per Game: 19.8 (23rd)
2025 Strength of Schedule: 12th
2026 Strength of Schedule: 11th Offense
LSU added nine offensive line transfers and significantly upgraded the running back and receiver rooms around Sam Leavitt. The 2025 offense scored 20 or fewer points in seven of 13 games. Key additions and returners include Harlem Berry, Dilin Jones (Wisconsin), Jayce Brown (Kansas State), Jackson Harris, and Trey’Dez Green. The unit looks dramatically improved on paper.
Player to Watch – QB Sam Leavitt
Leavitt began his career at Michigan State before transferring to Arizona State, where he threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions while adding 443 rushing yards and five scores in a standout season. Arizona State went 10-2 in the regular season, won the Big 12 title, and fell in double overtime to Texas in the Peach Bowl. Limited to seven games in 2025 due to injury (Sun Devils went 5-2 with him), Leavitt now joins LSU as a top portal addition and potential NFL Draft prospect.
Defense
The LSU defense features established talent and high-upside transfers, including Whit Weeks, DJ Pickett, Princewill Umanmielen, and Ty Benefield. The unit allowed just under 20 points per game last season and should improve further. It surrendered 31 or more points in only three games, including the bowl loss to Houston.
Player to Watch – LB Ty Benefield
After posting 233 tackles, five interceptions, three sacks, and 11 passes defended across three seasons at Boise State, Benefield transfers to LSU. A versatile ball hawk capable of playing linebacker or safety, he recorded at least six tackles in 12 games last season (including three games with 11). His draft stock is expected to rise in Baton Rouge.
Clemson Tigers
Head Coach: Dabo Swinney
2025 Record: 7-6 (4-4 ACC)
Offensive Points Per Game: 27.2 (71st)
Defensive Points Per Game: 20.5 (31st)
2025 Strength of Schedule: 57th
2026 Strength of Schedule: 36th Offense
Christopher Vizzina is expected to start at quarterback after serving as the backup to Cade Klubnik. He made one start last season (a home loss to SMU). Supporting cast includes running back Chris Johnson Jr. (SMU transfer) and returning leading receiver T.J. Moore. The Tigers lost four offensive linemen but retain eight players with starting experience on the line.
Player to Watch – WR T.J. Moore
Moore returns as the top receiving threat after recording 52 receptions for 837 yards and four touchdowns last season despite inconsistent quarterback play. The 6-foot-3 junior from Key West has 97 career catches for 1,488 yards and nine touchdowns. He posted 49+ yards in nine games and 83+ yards in six contests in 2025.
Defense
Clemson’s defense was the team’s strongest unit in 2025. The Tigers held eight opponents to 20 or fewer points and ranked 14th nationally in third-down defense (32.2% conversion rate allowed). They closed the regular season by allowing just 13.2 points per game over the final four contests. Leading tackler Sammy Brown returns, joined by four secondary transfers expected to contribute and a veteran defensive line.
Player to Watch – LB Sammy Brown
Brown led the team with 106 tackles in 2025 while adding 5.0 sacks, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. He recorded seven or more tackles in nine games and double-digit tackles in four. A consistent pass-rush threat (sacks in five different games last year), Brown is the clear leader of the Clemson defense.
Team Stats and Betting Trends
LSU went 4-9 against the spread last season (among the worst in the country).
Clemson went 5-8 ATS.
LSU was 2-5 ATS at home and 2-4 ATS as a home favorite.
Clemson was 4-1 ATS on the road and 2-0 ATS (and on the moneyline) as a road underdog.
Both teams leaned Under: LSU finished 9-4 to the Under; Clemson went 8-3-2 to the Under.
This Week 1 matchup offers plenty of intrigue with a new coaching regime in Baton Rouge, quarterback transitions on both sides, and contrasting roster-building philosophies. LSU enters as a clear favorite in a hostile night environment, but Clemson’s defensive identity and recent road ATS success give the visitors a path to stay competitive.
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