13 days ago
Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry was joking about sending Lane Kiffin into Oxford on an F-16. But that joke came up in the first place because Saturday night isn't shaping up to be a warm welcome. No. 7 LSU has opened the 2026 season in style, crushing Clemson 51-10 before rolling past Louisiana Tech 45-14. But the real test starts now, and it's one where emotions run high.
LSU's SEC opener comes at Ole Miss, where Lane Kiffin will make his first return to Oxford since leaving the Rebels for Baton Rouge. Jeff Landry, speaking with ESPN, understands what awaits.
"I'm thinking about having to send him in on an F-16 and maybe the team on a C-130," he said. "Security is going to be really tight. You know, we might need the National Guard out there to protect our team. I think it's going to be an interesting weekend."
That exaggeration may be a joke, but the governor also revealed that his office has already been in contact with Mississippi officials about security for the LSU contingent.
Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford is going to be electric. Subscribe for more interesting stories.
#kiffin
LSU's SEC opener comes at Ole Miss, where Lane Kiffin will make his first return to Oxford since leaving the Rebels for Baton Rouge. Jeff Landry, speaking with ESPN, understands what awaits.
"I'm thinking about having to send him in on an F-16 and maybe the team on a C-130," he said. "Security is going to be really tight. You know, we might need the National Guard out there to protect our team. I think it's going to be an interesting weekend."
That exaggeration may be a joke, but the governor also revealed that his office has already been in contact with Mississippi officials about security for the LSU contingent.
Lane Kiffin's return to Oxford is going to be electric. Subscribe for more interesting stories.
#kiffin
13 days ago
BATON ROUGE — Was there a loser in the Lane Kiffin decision saga?
Late last season, Ole Miss was in the midst of its best regular season in program history, ultimately going 11-1. The Rebels, thanks to Kiffin, his star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, were on their way to the College Football Playoff for the first time.
In the middle of that, Kiffin was conversing with LSU about its football head coaching job opening. Come season's end, Kiffin decided to take the LSU position. Despite wanting to stay on to coach the Rebels through the CFP, Ole Miss leadership would not allow him to do so.
KIFFIN: LSU NO PRESSURE VS OLE MISS 'Hatred' all Lane Kiffin's way, he says LSU players can just go play vs Ole Miss
LSU-OLE MISS CONTENT HUB LSU vs Ole Miss | Predictions, odds, key matchups and injuries
#miss #rebels #season #late
Late last season, Ole Miss was in the midst of its best regular season in program history, ultimately going 11-1. The Rebels, thanks to Kiffin, his star quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, were on their way to the College Football Playoff for the first time.
In the middle of that, Kiffin was conversing with LSU about its football head coaching job opening. Come season's end, Kiffin decided to take the LSU position. Despite wanting to stay on to coach the Rebels through the CFP, Ole Miss leadership would not allow him to do so.
KIFFIN: LSU NO PRESSURE VS OLE MISS 'Hatred' all Lane Kiffin's way, he says LSU players can just go play vs Ole Miss
LSU-OLE MISS CONTENT HUB LSU vs Ole Miss | Predictions, odds, key matchups and injuries
#miss #rebels #season #late
13 days ago
The game time has been set for the Texas A&M Aggies and the LSU Tigers in their monstrous Week 4 matchup at the end of the month.
According to multiple reports, LSU will host the Aggies for a night game at Death Valley, with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. ET in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This will be the second consecutive meeting between Texas A&M and LSU in Baton Rouge, and the second-straight primetime matchup. The Aggies won last year's contest, 49-25.
After Week 2, Texas A&M is ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25, while LSU sits at No. 7. Both teams are riding high after strong starts to the season, with the Aggies beating both Missouri State and Arizona State, while the Tigers have wins over Clemson and Louisiana Tech.
We have a week to wait until the matchup, with Texas A&M hosting Will Stein and the Kentucky Wildcats this weekend in College Station. Meanwhile, LSU will have a very tough top-10 matchup against the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels, pitting coach Lane Kiffin against his former team and creating one of the most intriguing matchups of the college football season this coming Saturday.
Contact/Follow us AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
#louisiana
According to multiple reports, LSU will host the Aggies for a night game at Death Valley, with kickoff slated for 6:30 p.m. ET in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This will be the second consecutive meeting between Texas A&M and LSU in Baton Rouge, and the second-straight primetime matchup. The Aggies won last year's contest, 49-25.
After Week 2, Texas A&M is ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25, while LSU sits at No. 7. Both teams are riding high after strong starts to the season, with the Aggies beating both Missouri State and Arizona State, while the Tigers have wins over Clemson and Louisiana Tech.
We have a week to wait until the matchup, with Texas A&M hosting Will Stein and the Kentucky Wildcats this weekend in College Station. Meanwhile, LSU will have a very tough top-10 matchup against the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels, pitting coach Lane Kiffin against his former team and creating one of the most intriguing matchups of the college football season this coming Saturday.
Contact/Follow us AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions.
#louisiana
15 days ago
BATON ROUGE — Despite a change at head coach and an overhaul of the offensive coaching staff, LSU football struggled with Louisiana Tech for the second straight year,
New coach Lane Kiffin and his team found themselves in a one-score game late in the third quarter before pulling away from the Bulldogs over the final 20 minutes to earn the 45-14 victory Saturday, Sept. 12.
Kiffin's second game as LSU's coach was far different than his debut against Clemson last week. Louisiana Tech (1-1) gave the Tigers a lot more to handle than Clemson did for much of the game. LSU's offense, particularly, was out of sorts.
LSU PULLS AWAY FROM LA TECH LSU vs Louisiana Tech updates, ***** ysis from second half
LSU DEPTH CHART VS LA TECH 3 interesting things in LSU football's depth chart vs Louisiana Tech
#Tech
New coach Lane Kiffin and his team found themselves in a one-score game late in the third quarter before pulling away from the Bulldogs over the final 20 minutes to earn the 45-14 victory Saturday, Sept. 12.
Kiffin's second game as LSU's coach was far different than his debut against Clemson last week. Louisiana Tech (1-1) gave the Tigers a lot more to handle than Clemson did for much of the game. LSU's offense, particularly, was out of sorts.
LSU PULLS AWAY FROM LA TECH LSU vs Louisiana Tech updates, ***** ysis from second half
LSU DEPTH CHART VS LA TECH 3 interesting things in LSU football's depth chart vs Louisiana Tech
#Tech
15 days ago
Well STS readers, I come to you this week recovering from an extremely sobering experience last Saturday night. I predicted a fight even in a loss, and if it even qualified as a fight, it resembled Drago vs. Apollo in Rocky IV. Probably an adequate ******* ogy because Apollo USED to be great, but he was no match for the modernized superweapon Drago. Did the Soviets cheat to develop him? Absolutely, but at that point they were doing whatever it took to be superior no matter the morality of it. Clemson fans like me could be heard yelling "throw in the ******* towel!" by maybe the fourth possession of the game. It was that obvious that Clemson was completely and totally outmatched at the lines of scrimmage and the surrounding skill had zero chance because of it on either side of the ball.
How did it come to this? I posted this in a comment on the game review thread and will paste it here as it summarizes what I have painfully allowed myself to realize: "I hate it for Dabo and others who really want to do this the way it is supposed to be done, which is to develop men and grow boys to men and that takes time more often than not. That is what the transfer portal and NIL and lack of tampering control has created and as much as Dabo has tried to evolve I just don't see how he could ever get to what actually has to be done now if you want to be elite. I bet if you begin to track LSU, Ohio State, Texas, etc, going forward, you will see that maybe 50% of their rosters will start and finish with them and the other half will be brought in from elsewhere at some stage of their five-year playing window. Dabo swallows hard just to have the maybe 15% we are up to now that would check that box. I totally understand why, but either Dabo has to let go of that OR Clemson needs a huge break and actual sane rules return to CFB. Otherwise, we are back to 1995 where we might be able to beat ok teams and bad teams but are done beating anyone that is legit top 15 in stature."
I am a Clemson Tiger for life and lived through the lean years between Ford and Dabo. I'll still tune in and attend games when I can, but I know now that something has to give if Clemson is ever going to hope to compete at the highest level and it may get worse before it can get better. I'm still looking for pathways to wins, as many wins as this team can find a way to manage. I agree they are likely better than that product we saw in Baton Rouge, but that is not saying a lot either considering how FCS level the Tigers looked in that game.
I also want to add that I highly recommend gear from our sponsor Section 103. Their polos in particular have already become some of my favorites in the closet.
Do you want to support STS writers? You can do so by supporting our sponsor, Section 103. They deep dive school traditions to create thoughtful designs artfully applied to insanely comfortable tees, polos, hats, and more.Click here to explore.
#apollo
How did it come to this? I posted this in a comment on the game review thread and will paste it here as it summarizes what I have painfully allowed myself to realize: "I hate it for Dabo and others who really want to do this the way it is supposed to be done, which is to develop men and grow boys to men and that takes time more often than not. That is what the transfer portal and NIL and lack of tampering control has created and as much as Dabo has tried to evolve I just don't see how he could ever get to what actually has to be done now if you want to be elite. I bet if you begin to track LSU, Ohio State, Texas, etc, going forward, you will see that maybe 50% of their rosters will start and finish with them and the other half will be brought in from elsewhere at some stage of their five-year playing window. Dabo swallows hard just to have the maybe 15% we are up to now that would check that box. I totally understand why, but either Dabo has to let go of that OR Clemson needs a huge break and actual sane rules return to CFB. Otherwise, we are back to 1995 where we might be able to beat ok teams and bad teams but are done beating anyone that is legit top 15 in stature."
I am a Clemson Tiger for life and lived through the lean years between Ford and Dabo. I'll still tune in and attend games when I can, but I know now that something has to give if Clemson is ever going to hope to compete at the highest level and it may get worse before it can get better. I'm still looking for pathways to wins, as many wins as this team can find a way to manage. I agree they are likely better than that product we saw in Baton Rouge, but that is not saying a lot either considering how FCS level the Tigers looked in that game.
I also want to add that I highly recommend gear from our sponsor Section 103. Their polos in particular have already become some of my favorites in the closet.
Do you want to support STS writers? You can do so by supporting our sponsor, Section 103. They deep dive school traditions to create thoughtful designs artfully applied to insanely comfortable tees, polos, hats, and more.Click here to explore.
#apollo
17 days ago
Brian Kelly was let go as the head coach of the LSU Tigers football program in the middle of last season after he failed to find the sort of success either he or the university envisioned when he came to Baton Rouge after a long stint as the head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.
In the first game of the Lane Kiffin era, the Tigers dominated the Clemson Tigers from start to finish, winning 51-10. After being asked about his thoughts on the game in a video call with College Sports on SiriusXM, Kelly was brutally honest about his feelings.
"I'll be honest, I had a hard time watching it, "Kelly admitted, "but I don't think it was just LSU. It was just the first weekend truly of college football, and it was hard. Like, you know, you've been doing it for, you know, 35 years, and not to be part of that process— uh, my wife, she wanted to kill me. She's like, " What's wrong with you?' And what was wrong was that I wasn't on the sideline, and it was, you know, I had to deal with it and, and, and get through it.
"But, you know, there's no mistake. LSU looked great. And, you know, obviously it's a little bit of both, right? Was Clemson maybe not as good as we thought? And certainly LSU was, was on fire, and that showed in the game. So props, props to LSU. They played great."
As tough a time as he might've had watching the Tigers from afar, Kelly did admit that he thought they had a championship-caliber defense.
#clemson #college #like
In the first game of the Lane Kiffin era, the Tigers dominated the Clemson Tigers from start to finish, winning 51-10. After being asked about his thoughts on the game in a video call with College Sports on SiriusXM, Kelly was brutally honest about his feelings.
"I'll be honest, I had a hard time watching it, "Kelly admitted, "but I don't think it was just LSU. It was just the first weekend truly of college football, and it was hard. Like, you know, you've been doing it for, you know, 35 years, and not to be part of that process— uh, my wife, she wanted to kill me. She's like, " What's wrong with you?' And what was wrong was that I wasn't on the sideline, and it was, you know, I had to deal with it and, and, and get through it.
"But, you know, there's no mistake. LSU looked great. And, you know, obviously it's a little bit of both, right? Was Clemson maybe not as good as we thought? And certainly LSU was, was on fire, and that showed in the game. So props, props to LSU. They played great."
As tough a time as he might've had watching the Tigers from afar, Kelly did admit that he thought they had a championship-caliber defense.
#clemson #college #like
0.00$ raised of 0.00$ goal
0 donations
0.00$
to go
19 days ago
Outside the quarterback battle, no player on Iowa's roster made more headlines this offseason than transfer wide receiver Tony Diaz.
Diaz transferred from UT Rio Grande Valley, hoping to become a difference-maker for the Hawkeyes' offense. The 5-foot-10 third-year receiver was super impressive throughout the summer, reportedly dominating in camp and earning a starting spot in Week 1. Plenty of national media members had taken notice of Diaz as the season neared. Just hours before Iowa's season opener on Saturday, that trend continued.
ESPN's "College GameDay" crew was in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday morning in anticipation of the LSU-Clemson game. During the show, the conversation shifted to the Hawkeyes, with the crew giving their thoughts on Kirk Ferentz's team entering the new season. Soon after, ***** yst Pat McAfee brought up Diaz, prompting host Rece Davis to list his 2025 stat line.
In Iowa's opener against Northern Illinois, Diaz lived up to the GameDay hype. Diaz finished with seven grabs for 84 yards and a touchdown. The San Marcos, Texas, product had a good rapport with both Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. Diaz won on his routes, created a ton of separation, and looked extremely shifty in the open field.
"If he's out there healthy, that's what he does. He got banged up a little bit in the spring, but he just plays hard and he plays fast also. He is fast and plays fast. As dumb as it sounds, he's really aggressive catching ***** . That does sound dumb and kind of silly in some certain ways.
#hawkeyes
Diaz transferred from UT Rio Grande Valley, hoping to become a difference-maker for the Hawkeyes' offense. The 5-foot-10 third-year receiver was super impressive throughout the summer, reportedly dominating in camp and earning a starting spot in Week 1. Plenty of national media members had taken notice of Diaz as the season neared. Just hours before Iowa's season opener on Saturday, that trend continued.
ESPN's "College GameDay" crew was in Baton Rouge, La., on Saturday morning in anticipation of the LSU-Clemson game. During the show, the conversation shifted to the Hawkeyes, with the crew giving their thoughts on Kirk Ferentz's team entering the new season. Soon after, ***** yst Pat McAfee brought up Diaz, prompting host Rece Davis to list his 2025 stat line.
In Iowa's opener against Northern Illinois, Diaz lived up to the GameDay hype. Diaz finished with seven grabs for 84 yards and a touchdown. The San Marcos, Texas, product had a good rapport with both Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski. Diaz won on his routes, created a ton of separation, and looked extremely shifty in the open field.
"If he's out there healthy, that's what he does. He got banged up a little bit in the spring, but he just plays hard and he plays fast also. He is fast and plays fast. As dumb as it sounds, he's really aggressive catching ***** . That does sound dumb and kind of silly in some certain ways.
#hawkeyes
19 days ago
The first full weekend of college football is behind us and, man, there's a lot to unpack. There weren't many marquee games (one to be exact) but we learned a little bit. The off season noise seems to be just that, noise. Are there already coaches on the hotseat? Definitely. A conference has some explaining to do. Finally, look at all those quarterbacks. The draft next year will be historic.
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 05: Running back Dilin Jones #13 of the LSU Tigers is defended by safety Corey Myrick #22 of the Clemson Tigers during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
"I want to announce my presence with authority!"- Nuke Laloosh
They were already dominating the news cycle but LSU threw a fastball to the ear flap of college football Saturday night. Lawsuits, injunctions, talk of expulsion all went by the wayside. As if all that wasn't enough, Mother Nature decided to prolong the mess with a two-hour weather delay. No matter, Lane Kiffin had the most prepared team in the country. Say what you will about Kiffin (and you can say plenty). He's smug, petty and can't resist poking anyone, anytime. He can also coach the ****** out of a football team and Saturday was Exhibit A. LSU made Clemson look absolutely inferior for 60 minutes, racking up 644 yards making everyone embarrassed for the ACC Tigers.
LSU was crisp, efficient, disciplined and out to make a point. They'll only get better. Sam Leavitt was the weak spot if you want to call it that. Yes, he ran and threw it all over the field but he had batted ****** , missed a few throws and had an interception. If this is his least efficient game of the season, put him on the Heisman watchlist now. I see LSU jumping a few teams when the rankings come out. Look for them around number six. LSU is coming.
#Football #september #saturday
BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 05: Running back Dilin Jones #13 of the LSU Tigers is defended by safety Corey Myrick #22 of the Clemson Tigers during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium on September 05, 2026 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)
"I want to announce my presence with authority!"- Nuke Laloosh
They were already dominating the news cycle but LSU threw a fastball to the ear flap of college football Saturday night. Lawsuits, injunctions, talk of expulsion all went by the wayside. As if all that wasn't enough, Mother Nature decided to prolong the mess with a two-hour weather delay. No matter, Lane Kiffin had the most prepared team in the country. Say what you will about Kiffin (and you can say plenty). He's smug, petty and can't resist poking anyone, anytime. He can also coach the ****** out of a football team and Saturday was Exhibit A. LSU made Clemson look absolutely inferior for 60 minutes, racking up 644 yards making everyone embarrassed for the ACC Tigers.
LSU was crisp, efficient, disciplined and out to make a point. They'll only get better. Sam Leavitt was the weak spot if you want to call it that. Yes, he ran and threw it all over the field but he had batted ****** , missed a few throws and had an interception. If this is his least efficient game of the season, put him on the Heisman watchlist now. I see LSU jumping a few teams when the rankings come out. Look for them around number six. LSU is coming.
#Football #september #saturday
21 days ago
College football is unpredictable and delightful, which is why we live for what happens on Saturdays. And Week 1 absolutely delivered, from an extremely controversial last-second Hail Mary in Ann Arbor to a stunning beatdown in Baton Rouge and everything in between.
Each Sunday, I'll publish my biggest takeaways from the college football weekend. I'll highlight the most interesting storylines, track College Football Playoff contenders and specifically shout out individual and team performances that deserve the spotlight.
Michigan didn't deserve to win on Saturday. It got outplayed and out-physicaled from the start by Western Michigan — and needing that second put back on the clock to throw a second (and, this time, successful) Hail Mary to eke out the win over the Broncos. I don't think I've seen any Michigan fan genuinely happy about that outcome or the state of the Wolverine offense under Bryce Underwood right now.
Western Michigan feels like it got screwed out of what would have been the biggest win in program history. And for general college football fans, there's now less trust in the officiating and replay processes than there was a week ago. There were truly no winners in Ann Arbor on Saturday night.
A few weeks ago, I made a bold prediction that this would be Dabo Swinney's last season at Clemson. I didn't say whether the school would push him out or he'd be the one to leave because of how frustrated the fan and donor base has become. For the record, I do think it would be extremely difficult for the school to fire a coach who won two national championships and turned little ol' Clemson into a college football power.
Clemson didn't look like it belonged on the same field as LSU on Saturday night, let alone the same category of serious CFP contender. The Tigers, at one point in the third quarter, had a total of -10 rushing yards. It was astonishing to see how far the mighty Clemson program has fallen in less than a decade, and it makes my bold prediction seem far less bold.
It has been a long time since Clemson actually was Clemson. I know the Tigers made the CFP (albeit as a three-loss ACC champion) in 2024, but the program has not been contending for national **** les since the start of the NIL era (in 2021).
#Football #saturday #second #less
Each Sunday, I'll publish my biggest takeaways from the college football weekend. I'll highlight the most interesting storylines, track College Football Playoff contenders and specifically shout out individual and team performances that deserve the spotlight.
Michigan didn't deserve to win on Saturday. It got outplayed and out-physicaled from the start by Western Michigan — and needing that second put back on the clock to throw a second (and, this time, successful) Hail Mary to eke out the win over the Broncos. I don't think I've seen any Michigan fan genuinely happy about that outcome or the state of the Wolverine offense under Bryce Underwood right now.
Western Michigan feels like it got screwed out of what would have been the biggest win in program history. And for general college football fans, there's now less trust in the officiating and replay processes than there was a week ago. There were truly no winners in Ann Arbor on Saturday night.
A few weeks ago, I made a bold prediction that this would be Dabo Swinney's last season at Clemson. I didn't say whether the school would push him out or he'd be the one to leave because of how frustrated the fan and donor base has become. For the record, I do think it would be extremely difficult for the school to fire a coach who won two national championships and turned little ol' Clemson into a college football power.
Clemson didn't look like it belonged on the same field as LSU on Saturday night, let alone the same category of serious CFP contender. The Tigers, at one point in the third quarter, had a total of -10 rushing yards. It was astonishing to see how far the mighty Clemson program has fallen in less than a decade, and it makes my bold prediction seem far less bold.
It has been a long time since Clemson actually was Clemson. I know the Tigers made the CFP (albeit as a three-loss ACC champion) in 2024, but the program has not been contending for national **** les since the start of the NIL era (in 2021).
#Football #saturday #second #less
21 days ago
Watch LSU fans loudly boo Jayden Daniels' name during win over Clemson originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Fans of the LSU Tigers didn't have too much to jeer at on Saturday night in Baton Rouge. Things took a turn for the worse, however, when former quarterback Jayden Daniels appeared on the scoreboard.
During a timeout, the school aired an "NFLSU" segment to commemorate past LSU Tigers who've made a name for themselves in the NFL. Lloyd Cushenberry III, Reid Ferguson, Damien Lewis, Zavion Thomas and Grant Delpit all received courteous cheers from fans remembering the good times that came from formerly watching those same players compete in Death Valley.
Amid his offseason controversy over his former No. 5 jersey being used for sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett, the Baton Rouge faithful did not take too kindly to seeing their 2022-23 quarterback's face on the scoreboard.
After much anticipation and preseason controversy, Lane Kiffin's debut began with a 51-10 rout over Clemson. Perhaps the only time LSU fans booed during Saturday's entirety, including the storm delay that postponed the game for nearly three hours, was seeing their friend-turned-foe. Here's a recap of what happened with Daniels and his former school.
#tigers #baton #rouge
Fans of the LSU Tigers didn't have too much to jeer at on Saturday night in Baton Rouge. Things took a turn for the worse, however, when former quarterback Jayden Daniels appeared on the scoreboard.
During a timeout, the school aired an "NFLSU" segment to commemorate past LSU Tigers who've made a name for themselves in the NFL. Lloyd Cushenberry III, Reid Ferguson, Damien Lewis, Zavion Thomas and Grant Delpit all received courteous cheers from fans remembering the good times that came from formerly watching those same players compete in Death Valley.
Amid his offseason controversy over his former No. 5 jersey being used for sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett, the Baton Rouge faithful did not take too kindly to seeing their 2022-23 quarterback's face on the scoreboard.
After much anticipation and preseason controversy, Lane Kiffin's debut began with a 51-10 rout over Clemson. Perhaps the only time LSU fans booed during Saturday's entirety, including the storm delay that postponed the game for nearly three hours, was seeing their friend-turned-foe. Here's a recap of what happened with Daniels and his former school.
#tigers #baton #rouge
21 days ago
LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin made a controversial statement during halftime of their 51-10 blowout win against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday. At halftime, with LSU leading 31-3, Kiffin said during an on-field interview, "Imagine if we had pro players."
Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Kiffin has been embroiled in drama this offseason with LSU management trying to add former NFL players to the roster, namely Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris.
At the post-game press conference, when reporters asked Kiffin about this wisecrack, he blew off fears of public backlash, saying,
"What's the difference? Everybody hates you. They can't hate you that much more. So there you go. You got another line."
#halftime #clemson
Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Kiffin has been embroiled in drama this offseason with LSU management trying to add former NFL players to the roster, namely Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris.
At the post-game press conference, when reporters asked Kiffin about this wisecrack, he blew off fears of public backlash, saying,
"What's the difference? Everybody hates you. They can't hate you that much more. So there you go. You got another line."
#halftime #clemson
21 days ago
LSU spent the week before its opener in a Louisiana courtroom and in an exchange of statements with the SEC over the eligibility of former NFL players on college rosters. Lane Kiffin's first team then beat Clemson 51-10 in Baton Rouge on Saturday night, and he brought the argument up himself at halftime.
With LSU ahead 31-3 and holding a 336-54 edge in total yards at the break, Kiffin finished his interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, started to walk away, then came back to the microphone and said, "Imagine if we had pro players."
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Two days earlier, East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden granted a preliminary injunction barring the NCAA and the SEC from punishing schools that rostered any of the 42 athletes suing for a fifth season of eligibility, which cleared former Ole Miss players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to follow Kiffin to Baton Rouge. The SEC filed its own federal lawsuit against LSU and Kiffin in Alabama that same morning. LSU submitted a 103-man roster on Friday and left the two spots empty.
Kiffin explained that decision on ESPN's "College GameDay" hours before kickoff.
#rouge #eligibility #former #clemson
With LSU ahead 31-3 and holding a 336-54 edge in total yards at the break, Kiffin finished his interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, started to walk away, then came back to the microphone and said, "Imagine if we had pro players."
Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Two days earlier, East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden granted a preliminary injunction barring the NCAA and the SEC from punishing schools that rostered any of the 42 athletes suing for a fifth season of eligibility, which cleared former Ole Miss players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to follow Kiffin to Baton Rouge. The SEC filed its own federal lawsuit against LSU and Kiffin in Alabama that same morning. LSU submitted a 103-man roster on Friday and left the two spots empty.
Kiffin explained that decision on ESPN's "College GameDay" hours before kickoff.
#rouge #eligibility #former #clemson
21 days ago
Kiffin is now 1-0 as LSU's head coach. Getty
The Lane Kiffin era at Louisiana State is off to an emphatic start.
The #11 Tigers dominated all three facets of the game against Clemson in a 51-10 route in Baton Rouge on Saturday night.
The 51-year-old has been a longtime villain in the college football world, and is continuing to embrace it at this moment.
GettyKiffin is now 1-0 as LSU's head coach.
#coach #clemson
The Lane Kiffin era at Louisiana State is off to an emphatic start.
The #11 Tigers dominated all three facets of the game against Clemson in a 51-10 route in Baton Rouge on Saturday night.
The 51-year-old has been a longtime villain in the college football world, and is continuing to embrace it at this moment.
GettyKiffin is now 1-0 as LSU's head coach.
#coach #clemson
21 days ago
James Madison made history in 2025, becoming the first-ever Sun Belt team to qualify for the College Football Playoff. But success came with a cost in the offseason. Head coach Bob Chesney left for UCLA, as did some of the Dukes' top players including running back Wayne Knight and defensive end Sahir West. Starting quarterback Alonza Barnett III wound up at UCF.
James Madison lost a bulk of the coaching staff and all but three primary starters from its CFP team. But the program is accustomed to handling adversity of this nature, not missing a beat when Curt Cignetti handed the reins to Bob Chesney two years ago.
Signs of a similar baton pass were evident Saturday when JMU defeated Liberty, 20-13, in head coach Billy Napier's debut.
James Madison fielded the nation's fifth-ranked total defense in 2025, and that was the team's calling card in the 2026 opener. Liberty was held completely out of the end zone until 10 minutes remained in the contest, thanks to the Dukes' ability to stonewall the run game.
Liberty's spread option attack ranked top-4 nationally in rushing in two of three seasons under head coach Jamey Chadwell. But through 38 attempts against JMU, the Dukes produced just 91 rushing yards, calculating to 2.4 per carry. They never broke off a big one, with the longest run of the day measuring to 10 yards.
#chesney
James Madison lost a bulk of the coaching staff and all but three primary starters from its CFP team. But the program is accustomed to handling adversity of this nature, not missing a beat when Curt Cignetti handed the reins to Bob Chesney two years ago.
Signs of a similar baton pass were evident Saturday when JMU defeated Liberty, 20-13, in head coach Billy Napier's debut.
James Madison fielded the nation's fifth-ranked total defense in 2025, and that was the team's calling card in the 2026 opener. Liberty was held completely out of the end zone until 10 minutes remained in the contest, thanks to the Dukes' ability to stonewall the run game.
Liberty's spread option attack ranked top-4 nationally in rushing in two of three seasons under head coach Jamey Chadwell. But through 38 attempts against JMU, the Dukes produced just 91 rushing yards, calculating to 2.4 per carry. They never broke off a big one, with the longest run of the day measuring to 10 yards.
#chesney
22 days ago
Clemson's season opener could not have gone much worse, and social media had plenty to say about it.
The Tigers were blasted 51-10 by LSU on Saturday night, handing Dabo Swinney the largest loss of his Clemson coaching career. As the score continued to get away from Clemson, fans, ***** ysts and college football accounts quickly turned the performance into one of the biggest talking points of the night.
Much of the criticism centered on just how one-sided the matchup became. LSU finished with 644 total yards while Clemson managed only 145, and the Tigers were beaten 38-8 in first downs.
Those numbers gave Clemson fans very little to defend, while rival fan bases wasted no time piling on.
The reaction was especially harsh considering the expectations surrounding the program entering the season. Instead of making an early statement, Clemson left Baton Rouge with an 0-1 record and plenty of questions.
#tigers #fans #swinney
The Tigers were blasted 51-10 by LSU on Saturday night, handing Dabo Swinney the largest loss of his Clemson coaching career. As the score continued to get away from Clemson, fans, ***** ysts and college football accounts quickly turned the performance into one of the biggest talking points of the night.
Much of the criticism centered on just how one-sided the matchup became. LSU finished with 644 total yards while Clemson managed only 145, and the Tigers were beaten 38-8 in first downs.
Those numbers gave Clemson fans very little to defend, while rival fan bases wasted no time piling on.
The reaction was especially harsh considering the expectations surrounding the program entering the season. Instead of making an early statement, Clemson left Baton Rouge with an 0-1 record and plenty of questions.
#tigers #fans #swinney
22 days ago
BATON ROUGE — Clemson scored first.
People will certainly forget that amid LSU football's absolute stomping of Clemson on Saturday, Sept. 5 inside Tiger Stadium.
The Lane Kiffin era in Baton Rouge could not have gotten off to better start as No. 13 LSU (1-0) outgained No. 23 Clemson (0-1) by nearly 500 yards en route to a 51-10 victory.
LSU STOMPS CLEMSON LSU vs Clemson live updates | Score, highlights, predictions, ******* ysis
LSU FOOTBALL DEPTH CHART NOTES 5 interesting things in LSU football's depth chart vs Clemson
#chart
People will certainly forget that amid LSU football's absolute stomping of Clemson on Saturday, Sept. 5 inside Tiger Stadium.
The Lane Kiffin era in Baton Rouge could not have gotten off to better start as No. 13 LSU (1-0) outgained No. 23 Clemson (0-1) by nearly 500 yards en route to a 51-10 victory.
LSU STOMPS CLEMSON LSU vs Clemson live updates | Score, highlights, predictions, ******* ysis
LSU FOOTBALL DEPTH CHART NOTES 5 interesting things in LSU football's depth chart vs Clemson
#chart
22 days ago
BATON ROUGE, La. — Mother Nature wanted Lane Kiffin and LSU to sit for a little bit longer and think about what they've done. Kiffin and LSU responded by hanging a 51-10 score on Clemson. Litigation isn't all they're good at, as it turns out.
Yes, it's early September. Yes, LSU beat the orange off an overmatched Clemson squad that's unranked and yet still overrated. But after a Saturday night in Death Valley where LSU ran over Clemson on both sides of the ball, it's not too soon to declare that Kiffin's squad might just be for real, and a real problem for the rest of the SEC.
"Imagine if we had pro players," Kiffin told ESPN's Holly Rowe as he left the field at halftime, and how you view that statement — proudly defiant or infuriatingly smug — probably depends on whether you live in the state of Louisiana. Kiffin delivered the line after LSU put the finishing touches on a half in which they'd outscored Clemson by 28 points, rushing for 213 yards and 21 first downs while holding Clemson to a net minus-4 yards and a single first down.
Matters didn't get any better for Clemson in the second half even after a desperation quarterback change. LSU, meanwhile, grew more confident in real time. The patchwork collection of transfers and new staff answered the most serious question facing LSU by working as an actual team, leaving the 10 ½-point spread far behind.
Kiffin always manages to whip everything around him into a frenzy, and late on Saturday afternoon, that included the skies as well as the rest of college football. For a few minutes there around 6 p.m., it sure looked like the Almighty had a problem with the way that Louisiana State University has been handling business lately.
#saturday
Yes, it's early September. Yes, LSU beat the orange off an overmatched Clemson squad that's unranked and yet still overrated. But after a Saturday night in Death Valley where LSU ran over Clemson on both sides of the ball, it's not too soon to declare that Kiffin's squad might just be for real, and a real problem for the rest of the SEC.
"Imagine if we had pro players," Kiffin told ESPN's Holly Rowe as he left the field at halftime, and how you view that statement — proudly defiant or infuriatingly smug — probably depends on whether you live in the state of Louisiana. Kiffin delivered the line after LSU put the finishing touches on a half in which they'd outscored Clemson by 28 points, rushing for 213 yards and 21 first downs while holding Clemson to a net minus-4 yards and a single first down.
Matters didn't get any better for Clemson in the second half even after a desperation quarterback change. LSU, meanwhile, grew more confident in real time. The patchwork collection of transfers and new staff answered the most serious question facing LSU by working as an actual team, leaving the 10 ½-point spread far behind.
Kiffin always manages to whip everything around him into a frenzy, and late on Saturday afternoon, that included the skies as well as the rest of college football. For a few minutes there around 6 p.m., it sure looked like the Almighty had a problem with the way that Louisiana State University has been handling business lately.
#saturday
22 days ago
Lane Kiffin had little reason to be upset at halftime of his first game as LSU's football coach, with the Tigers beating Clemson by 28, but before he went back to the locker room, he had one more thing he wanted to say to the millions of fans tuning in.
At the end of his halftime interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, and as he was walking away from the camera, Kiffin turned around to deliver a final message.
"It took everything not to say 'Imagine if we had pro players,'" Kiffin said before running off to the tunnel at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
REQUIRED READING: Lane Kiffin says 'uncertainties' led him to leave ex-NFL players off LSU roster
For the past several weeks, Kiffin has occupied a familiar role as one of college football's villains, as two of his former players at Mississippi — tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris — have fought to become eligible to play for LSU this season after signing NFL contracts earlier this year.
#lane #halftime #clemson #imagine
At the end of his halftime interview with ESPN's Holly Rowe, and as he was walking away from the camera, Kiffin turned around to deliver a final message.
"It took everything not to say 'Imagine if we had pro players,'" Kiffin said before running off to the tunnel at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
REQUIRED READING: Lane Kiffin says 'uncertainties' led him to leave ex-NFL players off LSU roster
For the past several weeks, Kiffin has occupied a familiar role as one of college football's villains, as two of his former players at Mississippi — tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris — have fought to become eligible to play for LSU this season after signing NFL contracts earlier this year.
#lane #halftime #clemson #imagine
22 days ago
BATON ROUGE, LA – The Lane Kiffin era started with fireworks. Literally.
As LSU came out of the tunnel shortly before kickoff of its game against Clemson, LSU shot off purple and gold fireworks inside the stadium to hard launch to Kiffin's debut with the Tigers.
Hey, better than saving up the fireworks for display after a loss, like Rutgers did.
Earlier in the day, Kiffin, ever the showman, entered the stadium during the Tiger Walk wearing a double breasted suit. He was accompanied by comedian Theo Von and swimsuit model Olivia Dunne, a former LSU gymnast.
The start of the Clemson-LSU game was delayed two hours because of lightning and heavy rain. The Kiffin era officially kicked off at 8:40 p.m. local time, with smoke from the pregame pyrotechnics display hovering in the air at Tiger Stadium.
#display
As LSU came out of the tunnel shortly before kickoff of its game against Clemson, LSU shot off purple and gold fireworks inside the stadium to hard launch to Kiffin's debut with the Tigers.
Hey, better than saving up the fireworks for display after a loss, like Rutgers did.
Earlier in the day, Kiffin, ever the showman, entered the stadium during the Tiger Walk wearing a double breasted suit. He was accompanied by comedian Theo Von and swimsuit model Olivia Dunne, a former LSU gymnast.
The start of the Clemson-LSU game was delayed two hours because of lightning and heavy rain. The Kiffin era officially kicked off at 8:40 p.m. local time, with smoke from the pregame pyrotechnics display hovering in the air at Tiger Stadium.
#display
22 days ago
BATON ROUGE — The 2026 college football season is nearing its start for LSU football.
The No. 13-ranked Tigers host No. 23 Clemson for Lane Kiffin's highly anticipated debut as LSU's coach on Saturday, Sept. 5 (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC) inside Tiger Stadium.
And Kiffin's first official depth chart is intriguing to say the least. There are 13 newcomers listed as starters with seven on offense. One of them is freshman defensive tackle Deuce Geralds.
LSU-CLEMSON LIVE UPDATES LSU vs Clemson live updates | Score, highlights, predictions, ******* ysis
DID LANE KIFFIN ROSTER EX-NFL PLAYERS? Did LSU football roster ex-NFL players after win in court v NCAA, SEC?
#lane #updates #rouge #tigers
The No. 13-ranked Tigers host No. 23 Clemson for Lane Kiffin's highly anticipated debut as LSU's coach on Saturday, Sept. 5 (6:30 p.m. CT, ABC) inside Tiger Stadium.
And Kiffin's first official depth chart is intriguing to say the least. There are 13 newcomers listed as starters with seven on offense. One of them is freshman defensive tackle Deuce Geralds.
LSU-CLEMSON LIVE UPDATES LSU vs Clemson live updates | Score, highlights, predictions, ******* ysis
DID LANE KIFFIN ROSTER EX-NFL PLAYERS? Did LSU football roster ex-NFL players after win in court v NCAA, SEC?
#lane #updates #rouge #tigers
22 days ago
Lane Kiffin's first stadium entrance at LSU went about as we all expected.
Kiffin always finds a way to make himself the center of attention, and that wasn't too difficult with College GameDay in town and the eyes of the college football world descending on Baton Rouge for Saturday night's game against Clemson.
In classic Kiffin fashion, he was flanked by several celebrities from the state of Louisiana as he entered Tiger Stadium, including former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, comedian and podcaster Theo Von and model Brooks Nader. They likely won't be the only celebrities we see on the sideline Saturday night.
LSU signed up for a circus when it hired Kiffin, and they're certainly getting what they paid for. Kiffin's track record at Ole Miss speaks for itself, but he has also introduced plenty of potential distractions.
We'll see if the star-studded stadium entrance is just a corny moment before a big win or a sign of a lack of focus.
#kiffin #saturday #college #celebrities
Kiffin always finds a way to make himself the center of attention, and that wasn't too difficult with College GameDay in town and the eyes of the college football world descending on Baton Rouge for Saturday night's game against Clemson.
In classic Kiffin fashion, he was flanked by several celebrities from the state of Louisiana as he entered Tiger Stadium, including former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, comedian and podcaster Theo Von and model Brooks Nader. They likely won't be the only celebrities we see on the sideline Saturday night.
LSU signed up for a circus when it hired Kiffin, and they're certainly getting what they paid for. Kiffin's track record at Ole Miss speaks for itself, but he has also introduced plenty of potential distractions.
We'll see if the star-studded stadium entrance is just a corny moment before a big win or a sign of a lack of focus.
#kiffin #saturday #college #celebrities
22 days ago
This story may be updated with more information.
BATON ROUGE, LA — No. 23 Clemson football will have to wait a little longer to begin its 2026 season.
Clemson's opener against No. 13 LSU on Sept. 5 (ABC) has been delayed due to weather. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m., but there is no update on whether that time will be moved.
Rain poured down in Baton Rouge around three hours before kickoff, and more storms are expected before kickoff. According to The Weather Channel, there is a 73% chance of thunderstorms at 7 p.m. and a 75% chance at 8 p.m.
This is Clemson's first trip to Tiger Stadium. Clemson is 1-4 all-time against LSU, with its lone win coming in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl.
#clemson
BATON ROUGE, LA — No. 23 Clemson football will have to wait a little longer to begin its 2026 season.
Clemson's opener against No. 13 LSU on Sept. 5 (ABC) has been delayed due to weather. The game is scheduled to kickoff at 7:30 p.m., but there is no update on whether that time will be moved.
Rain poured down in Baton Rouge around three hours before kickoff, and more storms are expected before kickoff. According to The Weather Channel, there is a 73% chance of thunderstorms at 7 p.m. and a 75% chance at 8 p.m.
This is Clemson's first trip to Tiger Stadium. Clemson is 1-4 all-time against LSU, with its lone win coming in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl.
#clemson
22 days ago
BATON ROUGE — Lane Kiffin arrived on the set of ESPN's College GameDay around 10 a.m. local time with a look of determination. He still flashed a peace sign at LSU fans who cheered him as he walked, but otherwise didn't break stride.
Draped in a white **** on down and grey slacks, Kiffin was several hours away from making his debut as Tigers head coach. But first, he had some questions to answer about a massive and consequential decision.
On Friday night, LSU decided not to add Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to its final roster—a shocking turn after the players, as well as LSU itself, fought a legal battle for the right to take the field as Tigers.
Wright and Harris were just two of hundreds of college athletes who have sued the NCAA to challenge the implementation of its "age-based" eligibility policy, which offered a fifth year of eligibility to college athletes—but didn't include players from the freshman class of 2022 who had already completed, like them. But their lawsuit drew national news because they had signed NFL contracts, though both were waived before making regular-season roster. A multipart legal battle ensued after the SEC issued a ban on players with this NFL experience, and the players and LSU refused to back down.
In a Baton Rouge courthouse Thursday, players won an injunction to suit up Saturday—a court order that prevented both the NCAA and SEC from implementing its rules. During the nine-hour hearing—specifically when SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was on the stand—news broke that the conference had sued LSU in federal court in Alabama, adding another layer to the feud.
#baton #tigers #ncaa
Draped in a white **** on down and grey slacks, Kiffin was several hours away from making his debut as Tigers head coach. But first, he had some questions to answer about a massive and consequential decision.
On Friday night, LSU decided not to add Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to its final roster—a shocking turn after the players, as well as LSU itself, fought a legal battle for the right to take the field as Tigers.
Wright and Harris were just two of hundreds of college athletes who have sued the NCAA to challenge the implementation of its "age-based" eligibility policy, which offered a fifth year of eligibility to college athletes—but didn't include players from the freshman class of 2022 who had already completed, like them. But their lawsuit drew national news because they had signed NFL contracts, though both were waived before making regular-season roster. A multipart legal battle ensued after the SEC issued a ban on players with this NFL experience, and the players and LSU refused to back down.
In a Baton Rouge courthouse Thursday, players won an injunction to suit up Saturday—a court order that prevented both the NCAA and SEC from implementing its rules. During the nine-hour hearing—specifically when SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was on the stand—news broke that the conference had sued LSU in federal court in Alabama, adding another layer to the feud.
#baton #tigers #ncaa
22 days ago
With Clemson football's season opener in Baton Rouge approaching, LSU has decided not to test the limits of a growing eligibility dispute involving two former professional players.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin confirmed Saturday that Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris were not included on the Tigers' official roster, despite a Louisiana judge issuing an injunction that opened the door for both players to compete.
"That wasn't easy," Kiffin said. "As much as I feel for the players… I believe that you fight for what you believe in, and I believe these kids have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters. But at the same time, I'm the head coach of LSU and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program, with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster."
Those uncertainties were considerable.
The SEC has warned its schools of potentially significant penalties for putting former NFL players on a college roster and recently took legal action against LSU. Clemson also warned that using former professional players could violate the contract governing Saturday night's matchup.
#professional
LSU coach Lane Kiffin confirmed Saturday that Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris were not included on the Tigers' official roster, despite a Louisiana judge issuing an injunction that opened the door for both players to compete.
"That wasn't easy," Kiffin said. "As much as I feel for the players… I believe that you fight for what you believe in, and I believe these kids have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters. But at the same time, I'm the head coach of LSU and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program, with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster."
Those uncertainties were considerable.
The SEC has warned its schools of potentially significant penalties for putting former NFL players on a college roster and recently took legal action against LSU. Clemson also warned that using former professional players could violate the contract governing Saturday night's matchup.
#professional
22 days ago
'He's a child': Paul Finebaum has strong words for Lane Kiffin amid SEC lawsuit originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The ongoing feud between Paul Finebaum and Lane Kiffin took another turn on Saturday.
Hours before LSU will host Clemson in Baton Rouge, the ESPN ***** yst Paul Finebaum ripped the controversial college football coach for his willingness to add former NFL players to the Tigers roster.
The jaw-dropping moment on SEC Nation will definitely prompt a response from Kiffin. Finebaum's commentary went in on how LSU has conducted business against the wishes of the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey, even after the conference barred NFL players from being signed by teams.
"In a time when there is absolute chaos and morale decay in our game (Sankey) stopped what would have been one of the worst moments in the history," Finebaum said.
#kiffin #sporting #source
The ongoing feud between Paul Finebaum and Lane Kiffin took another turn on Saturday.
Hours before LSU will host Clemson in Baton Rouge, the ESPN ***** yst Paul Finebaum ripped the controversial college football coach for his willingness to add former NFL players to the Tigers roster.
The jaw-dropping moment on SEC Nation will definitely prompt a response from Kiffin. Finebaum's commentary went in on how LSU has conducted business against the wishes of the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey, even after the conference barred NFL players from being signed by teams.
"In a time when there is absolute chaos and morale decay in our game (Sankey) stopped what would have been one of the worst moments in the history," Finebaum said.
#kiffin #sporting #source
22 days ago
It was recently revealed that Pat McAfee would bring his kicking contest back to College GameDay on ESPN for a fourth season, despite McAfee hinting twice last December that the series could be over for good.
McAfee funded the high-dollar-reward contest all on his own for the first three seasons and handed out more than $6 million. As Awful Announcing's Sam Neumann explained, "Either a fresh sponsorship agreement covering those costs or a renegotiated financial arrangement folded into McAfee's rumored $60 million-plus annual ESPN extension emerged as the two most plausible ways to bring the contest back without leaving McAfee personally on the hook for another year of six-figure kicks."
During Saturday's season debut of College GameDay at LSU in Baton Rouge, McAfee announced that a sponsorship agreement had indeed emerged. The Home Depot, which has sponsored College GameDay for 24 years, will match the dollar amount that he pays out for the entire 2026 season.
Additionally, the 33-yard kicking contest has officially rebranded as "Pat McAfee's 'Kicking is easy' contest" on College GameDay. The contest had been loosely referred to as that in the past, but now it's also listed that way on the ESPN graphic.
"This year, we have a massive update," McAfee said as kicking contestant Bruce was about to attempt a kick. "A company that has given millions and millions of dollars to college sports said, 'We want to help you in this whole thing.' Home Depot has said they will match anything that I put up [for the kicker] for the rest of the season."
#contest #bring
McAfee funded the high-dollar-reward contest all on his own for the first three seasons and handed out more than $6 million. As Awful Announcing's Sam Neumann explained, "Either a fresh sponsorship agreement covering those costs or a renegotiated financial arrangement folded into McAfee's rumored $60 million-plus annual ESPN extension emerged as the two most plausible ways to bring the contest back without leaving McAfee personally on the hook for another year of six-figure kicks."
During Saturday's season debut of College GameDay at LSU in Baton Rouge, McAfee announced that a sponsorship agreement had indeed emerged. The Home Depot, which has sponsored College GameDay for 24 years, will match the dollar amount that he pays out for the entire 2026 season.
Additionally, the 33-yard kicking contest has officially rebranded as "Pat McAfee's 'Kicking is easy' contest" on College GameDay. The contest had been loosely referred to as that in the past, but now it's also listed that way on the ESPN graphic.
"This year, we have a massive update," McAfee said as kicking contestant Bruce was about to attempt a kick. "A company that has given millions and millions of dollars to college sports said, 'We want to help you in this whole thing.' Home Depot has said they will match anything that I put up [for the kicker] for the rest of the season."
#contest #bring
22 days ago
Although the Big Ten has started to take over the college football landscape in recent years, there is nothing like an early-season clash between two southern ***** ans.
On Saturday, one of the premier prime-time games will take place in Baton Rouge between the ACC's Clemson and the SEC's LSU. This will be the LSU debut of Lane Kiffin as he goes up against Dabo Sweeney. Each of these guys is going to produce many NFL players over the next year, and the Chicago Bears should have their eyes on them all.
These three players are men who could help the Bears down the line if they continue to develop in college and prepare for the NFL properly. It is never too early to have scouts out and watching.
#players #although #rouge #clemson
On Saturday, one of the premier prime-time games will take place in Baton Rouge between the ACC's Clemson and the SEC's LSU. This will be the LSU debut of Lane Kiffin as he goes up against Dabo Sweeney. Each of these guys is going to produce many NFL players over the next year, and the Chicago Bears should have their eyes on them all.
These three players are men who could help the Bears down the line if they continue to develop in college and prepare for the NFL properly. It is never too early to have scouts out and watching.
#players #although #rouge #clemson
23 days ago
BATON ROUGE — A Louisiana judge delivered a profound ruling amid an ongoing legal fight that the NCAA, and in this case the Southeastern Conference, has found itself in all over the country.
East Baton Rouge 19th District Court Judge Will Jorden granted a preliminary injunction that allows 31 athletes a fifth year of eligibility in college after more than nine hours of court proceedings on Sept. 3. The court order paves the way for LSU football coach Lane Kiffin and his program to safely add ex-NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to the roster.
It marks the first time that a court ruling has allowed for professional athletes to return to college, a notion that could send shockwaves throughout collegiate athletics.
LSU CLEAR TO ADD EX-NFL PLAYERS Judge sides with LSU football players seeking 5th year of eligibility
LSU-CLEMSON HUB LSU vs Clemson: Predictions, odds, key matchups and injuries
#baton #rouge #clemson #eligibility
East Baton Rouge 19th District Court Judge Will Jorden granted a preliminary injunction that allows 31 athletes a fifth year of eligibility in college after more than nine hours of court proceedings on Sept. 3. The court order paves the way for LSU football coach Lane Kiffin and his program to safely add ex-NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to the roster.
It marks the first time that a court ruling has allowed for professional athletes to return to college, a notion that could send shockwaves throughout collegiate athletics.
LSU CLEAR TO ADD EX-NFL PLAYERS Judge sides with LSU football players seeking 5th year of eligibility
LSU-CLEMSON HUB LSU vs Clemson: Predictions, odds, key matchups and injuries
#baton #rouge #clemson #eligibility
23 days ago
In 1893, a chemistry professor named Charles Coates arrived at Louisiana State University and wrote that, to his surprise, "there was practically no athletics in the student body: no football, no tennis, and only very little baseball in the spring." A broad program of sports struck him as the kind of thing a school should have, particularly as US universities were beginning to tout intercollegiate athletics as critical to a balanced higher-ed experience and another way to justify the cost of entry. But 133 years on, sports aren't merely the main attraction at LSU. They're the school's raison d'être, the blinkered obsession that consumes the university and its most prominent ambassadors.
Any doubt that the business of educating college students is just a nettlesome distraction from the business of college sports in Baton Rouge has been emphatically dispelled over the past 10 months. On the football side, the school has spent or committed roughly $162m to its last three head coaches: Ed Orgeron, the folksy national champion in 2019 who received a $17m buyout when he was fired two years later; Brian Kelly, the unloved underachiever who received a $54m buyout after being fired last October; and Lane Kiffin, the Kelly replacement whom it signed to a $91m deal a month later. Clemson, the opponent for LSU's season opener at home on Saturday, are about to find out what all that money buys.
Related: College football is booming, chaotic and more confusing than ever
In March, LSU brought back men's basketball coach Will Wade, the turnaround artist who became a national emblem of college sports' old pay-for-play hypocrisy when he was caught on an FBI wiretap discussing a recruiting offer seven years ago. An NCAA dragnet soon uncovered more alleged recruiting improprieties. After LSU fired Wade for cause, he resurfaced at McNeese State, engineering an unlikely reversal of fortune that eventually landed him a lucrative offer to coach back in the big leagues at North Carolina State. That stint lasted all of one 20-win season before the Tigers swooped in and began the process to bring Wade back – despite the fact that someone else was already coaching the team.
And then there's Kim Mulkey, grande dame of LSU sports blindness. When the national championship-winning women's basketball coach brought 17-year-old Anna Minaeva into the fold last month, more than a few eyebrows arched – and not because she plays the same position as junior center Kate Koval. It's more that Minaeva is Russian, Koval is Ukrainian and the one notable reprieve her father, a drone operator in the Ukrainian military, took from the war was to travel to the United States to watch his daughter play.
#sports #Football #fired #back
Any doubt that the business of educating college students is just a nettlesome distraction from the business of college sports in Baton Rouge has been emphatically dispelled over the past 10 months. On the football side, the school has spent or committed roughly $162m to its last three head coaches: Ed Orgeron, the folksy national champion in 2019 who received a $17m buyout when he was fired two years later; Brian Kelly, the unloved underachiever who received a $54m buyout after being fired last October; and Lane Kiffin, the Kelly replacement whom it signed to a $91m deal a month later. Clemson, the opponent for LSU's season opener at home on Saturday, are about to find out what all that money buys.
Related: College football is booming, chaotic and more confusing than ever
In March, LSU brought back men's basketball coach Will Wade, the turnaround artist who became a national emblem of college sports' old pay-for-play hypocrisy when he was caught on an FBI wiretap discussing a recruiting offer seven years ago. An NCAA dragnet soon uncovered more alleged recruiting improprieties. After LSU fired Wade for cause, he resurfaced at McNeese State, engineering an unlikely reversal of fortune that eventually landed him a lucrative offer to coach back in the big leagues at North Carolina State. That stint lasted all of one 20-win season before the Tigers swooped in and began the process to bring Wade back – despite the fact that someone else was already coaching the team.
And then there's Kim Mulkey, grande dame of LSU sports blindness. When the national championship-winning women's basketball coach brought 17-year-old Anna Minaeva into the fold last month, more than a few eyebrows arched – and not because she plays the same position as junior center Kate Koval. It's more that Minaeva is Russian, Koval is Ukrainian and the one notable reprieve her father, a drone operator in the Ukrainian military, took from the war was to travel to the United States to watch his daughter play.
#sports #Football #fired #back
