Lane Kiffin's LSU Tigers debut as heavy favorites, showcasing an elite transfer class and NFL-caliber quarterback Sam Leavitt against the Clemson Tigers.
It is already known that the LSU Tigers are carrying very lofty expectations going into 2026, but now there are some numbers starting to be put to it.
FanDuel Sportsbook has released odds for the Tigers' first game of the season against the Clemson Tigers. LSU opens the year as impressive 10.5-point favorites.
For reference, Clemson opened last year at around four-point favorites, but it was the Tigers of Baton Rouge that won that one.
LSU being early heavy favorites is not too surprising. Lane Kiffin has built up an elite roster in year one. They've brought in the best transfer portal class, by far, and have a few impact freshman coming in as well.
The Tigers have an NFL-hopeful at quarterback in Sam Leavitt. He helped lead the Arizona State Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff with the help of Cam Skattebo. At LSU, he'll have Harlem Berry, a former five-star who has been hard at work already.
Kiffin also rejuvenated the offensive line and brought in a new wide receiver room with a bunch of speed. This is also mostly the same defense with some changes, with few major downgrades.
It might sound overcomplimentary, but that is what the team has set themselves up for.
Clemson, on the other hand, is not expected to be elite. They were 7-6 this season and are losing their biggest pieces. They had the 20th-ranked recruiting class and the 7th-ranked transfer class.
These are not the same levels of expectations.
LSU and Clemson will face off on Sept. 5 at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge.
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