Lane Kiffin began his tenure as LSU head coach with a resounding 51-10 victory over Clemson on Saturday night. The highly anticipated season opener was delayed by nearly two hours due to lightning.
Two players with NFL aspirations, Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, were not on the roster for the game, a decision Kiffin stated was made in the best interest of the LSU program. This move came amid an ongoing dispute over the eligibility of players who have signed with professional teams but wish to return to college football. A Louisiana court had issued a ruling placing the SEC's rule barring such players on hold just days before the game.
"As much as I feel for the players, and I believe that you fight for what you believe in, and I believe these kids have an opportunity to play just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters," Kiffin said on ESPN's 'College GameDay' prior to the game. "But at the same time, I'm the head coach of LSU, and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster."
Wright and Harris are reportedly enrolled at LSU, leaving open the possibility of their addition to the roster at a later date. The SEC has indicated plans to appeal the Louisiana court's ruling and is also pursuing a federal lawsuit to enforce its regulations. The conference had previously adopted a rule to prevent former professional athletes from rejoining college rosters.
The controversy stems from a new NCAA rule granting five seasons of eligibility to players who began college in 2023. Players who started in 2022, including Wright and Harris, have filed lawsuits seeking a fifth year of eligibility, a claim that has expanded to include whether players who have pursued professional careers should be allowed to return.
Despite the off-field legal entanglements, the LSU Tigers delivered a dominant performance on the field. Quarterback Sam Leavitt threw for two touchdowns, and the team excelled in its running game. By the end of the first quarter, LSU held a commanding 17-3 lead, setting the tone for the decisive win.
Kiffin's arrival at LSU was met with fanfare, including a 'Tiger Walk' attended by influencers such as former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne and model-actress Brooks Nader. The game itself kicked off around 8:45 p.m. Central Time before a crowd of approximately 102,000 fans at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers' victory marked a strong start to the new coaching era.