A Rankings‑laden Opening
The Associated Press has placed LSU at No. 11 in its first 2026 poll, setting the stage for a high‑profile season opener against Clemson. The Tigers will host the ACC powerhouse in Baton Rouge, a venue that will also welcome the ESPN flagship program College Gameday.
Clemson entered the poll with 112 votes, the most of any team, while Florida followed with 51. LSU’s schedule features five opponents currently ranked in the top 25, underscoring the difficulty of the early slate.
The matchup marks a rematch of last year’s 17‑10 victory for LSU, part of a historic home‑and‑home series that adds extra intrigue. The game will also serve as the debut season for the new head coach steering the program, a storyline that has captured the attention of fans nationwide.
Dabo Swinney, who guides Clemson’s offense, will be looking to extend his team’s dominance, but the Tigers hope to translate their early‑season momentum into a lasting push toward the championship conversation.