The start of the Lane Kiffin era in Baton Rouge has been delayed.
Kiffin’s LSU debut will be delayed by at least 90 minutes due to inclement weather in the area, according to reports. This game was originally scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET, but lightning in the area has prevented warmups from beginning.
According to NCAA rules, any lightning detected near the stadium triggers an automatic 30-minute delay. Any additional lightning strikes would then reset that 30-minute waiting period, so it’s not yet clear when LSU and Clemson will be able to begin preparations for their game on Saturday night.
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LSU is a significant favorite in this game — most sportsbook have the Tigers priced as 10.5 point favorites in the lead-up to kickoff. Expectations are high for Kiffin and Co. entering 2026.
LSU is also expected to contend for the SEC Championship and a College Football Playoff berth this season. Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt will lead LSU’s offense this season as Kiffin’s signal-caller.
Meanwhile, Clemson is expected to turn to longtime backup Christopher Vizzina at quarterback, though freshman Tait Reynolds could also see action.
Here’s the live market for this game on Kalshi:
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
