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Clemson and LSU Prepare for Blockbuster Season Opener Rematch
4 Aug
Summary
- Clemson ranked #6, LSU #9 in preseason coaches poll
- Rematch of 2020 national championship game won by LSU
- Quarterbacks Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier potential 2026 NFL draft picks
On August 4, 2025, the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll was released, with Clemson ranked No. 6 and LSU at No. 9. The two teams are set to face off on August 30 (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC) at Clemson's Memorial Stadium, in a rematch of the 2020 national championship game that LSU won 42-25.
The matchup features prominent head coaches Dabo Swinney of Clemson and Brian Kelly of LSU, as well as quarterbacks Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier, who are both projected to be potential first-round selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. Clemson received 1,324 overall votes and two first-place votes, making them the highest-ranked ACC team, while LSU earned 1,056 points and no first-place votes, placing them fourth among SEC teams.
Both teams are looking to earn a season-opening victory, something they have struggled with in recent years. Clemson has not won a season opener since 2022, while LSU's last season-opening win came in 2019. This will be a crucial early-season test for both programs as they aim to establish themselves as national title contenders.
