Time announced for Clemson vs. LSU, Week 1 College GameDay matchup

Clemson football’s highly anticipated trip to Baton Rouge now has an official start time. The Tigers and LSU Tigers will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest opening weekend matchups of the 2026 college football season.

The time announcement adds another layer to a game that is already expected to draw plenty of national attention. ESPN’s “College GameDay” has reportedly chosen Baton Rouge as its Week 1 destination, according to Pete Nakos of On3. Rece Davis, Nick Saban, Pat McAfee, Desmond Howard and Kirk Herbstreit are expected to be on site for the pregame show.

Last season, “GameDay” opened the year in Columbus for Texas vs. Ohio State. That same night, LSU came to Clemson and handed Dabo Swinney’s team a 17-10 loss after erasing a 10-3 halftime deficit.

That game ended up setting the tone for a tough season on both sides. Clemson finished 7-6, while LSU also went 7-6 and later fired Brian Kelly.

Now, the two programs will meet again with plenty of attention on both sidelines. Swinney is coming off arguably his worst season at Clemson, while LSU will begin a new chapter with Lane Kiffin leading the program.

With “College GameDay” reportedly headed to Baton Rouge and ABC carrying the game in primetime, Clemson-LSU already has the feel of one of Week 1’s biggest matchups.

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