By: Tyler Bennett
(Photo/Chad Price-The Mojo Network)
Clemson Looks to Make a Statement Against LSU
Clemson opens its 2026 season tonight with one of the toughest challenges possible, traveling down to Baton Rouge to take on No. 11 LSU. The Tigers are looking to put last season behind them and start this year on a completely different note.
After going 7-6 in 2025, Clemson enters the season with plenty to prove. Dabo Swinney and the Tigers have a chance to make an early statement against a ranked SEC opponent, but they’ll have to do it in one of the toughest environments in college football. This will also be Clemson’s first-ever trip to Tiger Stadium.
A big storyline for Clemson will be quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who gets the starting job to open the season. Vizzina has only one career start under his belt, but he showed plenty of promise in that game, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. He’ll now be thrown into the deep end against LSU in front of a massive night crowd.
Clemson also brings back some important pieces, including wide receiver T.J. Moore, linebacker Sammy Brown and defensive end Will Heldt. Moore led the Tigers with 837 receiving yards last season, while Brown recorded 107 tackles and Heldt finished with 7.5 sacks.
This is a rematch from last season when LSU came into Death Valley and walked away with a 17-10 win. Clemson gets the chance to return the favor tonight, but this time the Tigers have to do it on the road.
The expectations may be higher for LSU, but that’s exactly what makes this such a big opportunity for Clemson. A win in Baton Rouge would immediately change the conversation surrounding this team and give the Tigers some serious momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.