The LSU Tigers opened the 2026 season in dominant fashion with a 51-10 victory over Clemson. Lane Kiffin’s team decided to avoid attracting more controversy by not playing any former NFL players and still cruised to a blowout win.

LSU couldn't have looked any better than it did while destroying Clemson in Lane Kiffin's debut.

The beginning of the Lane Kiffin era. A crucial refresh for Dabo Swinney. Beyond the action on the field at LSU's Death Valley, intense off-field intrigue has hovered over Clemson and No. 11 LSU heading into tonight's kickoff.

On Saturday night, the Clemson Tigers suffered their worst season-opening loss in program history to LSU. Here's a recap of how it all went down.

No. 13 LSU blew out No. 23 Clemson in coach Lane Kiffin's debut with the Tigers, earning a 51-10 victory in Week 1

No. 11 LSU demolished Clemson 51-10 on Saturday, a sterling debut for Lane Kiffin and a fourth straight season-opening loss for Clemson.

LSU president Wade Rousse, left, LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin and LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry stand together at South Stadium Club. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt and Wisconsin transfer running back Dilin Jones combined for four rushing touchdowns in their new uniforms, and LSU ended a week of off-the-field drama with an easy 51-10 victory over Clemson on Saturday.

The LSU Tigers opened the Lane Kiffin era with a statement, crushing the Clemson Tigers 51-10 on Saturday night in Louisiana. The win came amid all the ruckus around Kiffin and LSU’s legal fight with the SEC over their use of former NFL players.