NCAAF Clemson vs LSU: Predictions, How To Watch and Best Bets

Written By Dan Angell | Published at September 5, 2026

Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU president Wade Rousse, left, LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin and LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry stand together at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect.

A year ago, Clemson vs. LSU was the most hyped game of the college football opening weekend. Now, both teams are looking for a new identity after their 2025 seasons blew up in their faces.

Both teams got into the top 5 in the national rankings at one point. Both found themselves just barely qualifying for a bowl game by season’s end. LSU went shopping for a new coach in Lane Kiffin, while Clemson coach Dabo Swinney finally accepted that he can no longer ignore the transfer portal.

That makes the return game intriguing for several reasons. It’s Kiffin’s first in Baton Rouge, meaning the always-intense Tiger Stadium crowd will be even more excited. It’s also a change in styles for both teams. Kiffin is used to this, having done this virtually every year. Swinney is trying to reinvent himself on the fly.

The last fact is why Clemson might have a hard time in this game. Reinventions can work, but they usually take time to manage successfully. Swinney’s trying to do it in one of the toughest road environments against a coach who’s been doing this since the portal became part of college football. It’s a tall task, to say the least.

Here’s a look at this Clemson vs. LSU matchup to open the college football season.

Clemson vs. LSU Prediction

Best Bet: Under 50.5 (DraftKings, -108)

With all of the new pieces in place, points will likely be at a premium. Both teams’ defenses should be far ahead of their offenses at this point in the season, especially Clemson’s. Christopher Vizzina has just one career start to his name, and this isn’t the place to make your first big road start.

LSU features one of the most feared home environments in the nation when things are going well. At this point, no negativity has had a chance to seep in. The Bayou Bengals are united for the first time in years, which bodes poorly for Clemson.

On the other side of the ball, Clemson’s defense looks solid. Swinney has built that side of the ball over time, which is far easier than building an offense over time. LSU will likely take some time to get on the same page, which should lead to an under play at DraftKings. That would be par for the course at Clemson; the Under has cashed in five straight non-conference games.

Clemson vs. LSU Same Game Parlay

Under 50.5

LSU -10.5

Christopher Vizzina Under 249.5 Passing Yards

When a quarterback lacks experience, it becomes far easier for them to get rattled. That likely becomes the case here. Clemson went nowhere last year at home against LSU, gaining just 261 yards overall.

That came with more experience on Clemson’s side. The Tigers had Cade Klubnik under center; he’s now in the NFL. Vizzinia doesn’t have his knowledge or savvy, and this is a far stiffer test than next week against Georgia Southern will be.

With Vizzina likely to make a few mistakes, LSU should be able to create some separation. It will take time to pull away against the Clemson defense, but the lack of a threat from the visitors should make it happen.