College Gameday picks LSU football vs. Clemson for Week 1 show

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College Gameday is headed to Baton Rouge. Per On3's Pete Nakos, the tentpole ESPN show will be at LSU vs. Clemson in Week 1 for Lane Kiffin's debut as LSU football's head coach.

Week 1 isn't as jam-packed with marquee games as usual, and LSU vs. Clemson is one of just a few games featuring two of the sport's major brands. The big-name status of both head coaches, Kiffin and Clemson's Dabo Swinney, only adds to the intrigue.

LSU has been one of the biggest stories throughout the college football offseason. Kiffin leaving Ole Miss just ahead of the Rebels' college football playoff run to take over a rival sent shockwaves through the sport. The headlines continued as LSU signed the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class in the country, including former Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt and ex-Colorado tackle Jordan Seaton.

The reality show nature of LSU's recent months, combined with the lofty expectations in Baton Rouge, will make LSU an attractive program for media coverage in 2026. There's a decent chance College Gameday is at more than one LSU game this fall.

LSU opened the season vs. Clemson in 2025, securing a 17-10 victory on the road. LSU hopes for a similar result this year as the Tigers look to begin the Kiffin era on a high note.

LSU football's history with College Gameday

When College Gameday travels to Baton Rouge for LSU football's Week 1 contest vs. Clemson, it will be the 15th time LSU has hosted the show and the Tigers' 37th overall appearance. LSU is 22-14 when appearing on the show. College Gameday's most recent trip to LSU was the Tigers' loss to Alabama on Nov. 9, 2024.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: ESPN's College Gameday picks LSU football as Week 1 destination

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