The LSU Tigers will kick off the 2026 college football season with a much‑anticipated home matchup against the Clemson Tigers on September 5, with kickoff set for 6:30 p.m. local time. The game will be carried live on WGNO and across ABC affiliates, giving fans across the state a chance to follow the action.
A year ago, LSU traveled to Clemson and pulled off a 17‑10 victory at Clemson Memorial Stadium, a result that added a layer of intrigue to this fall’s meeting. This time the contest will be played in Baton Rouge, turning the Tigers’ home field into the backdrop for what many expect to be a tightly contested opener.
A Road Test in Oxford
LSU’s next test comes on September 19 when they head to Oxford to meet the Ole Miss Rebels. The Rebels’ stadium will host a 6:30 p.m. showdown that will also be broadcast on WGNO and ABC, and the storyline will feature new head coach Lane Kiffin facing the team he once led.
The scheduling quirks reflect a broader shift in the Tigers’ non‑conference slate, as they balance home‑field advantages with road challenges while trying to build momentum early in the season. Fans can expect a high‑energy atmosphere in both venues, with the broadcast partners promising extensive coverage and analysis.
LSU Athletics, the department overseeing the football program, has confirmed the dates and broadcast details, underscoring the importance of the games for the university’s athletic brand and for the state’s sports landscape.