Lane Kiffin will make his head coaching debut with the LSU Tigers on Sept. 5, opening the season at home with a matchup against the Clemson Tigers. It will be the second straight year the two face off in Week 1, with LSU taking a 17-10 win last season.
With Kiffin at the helm, LSU currently sits as 11.5-point favorites, according to DraftKings. However, after going just 7-6 last season, there's no doubt that Dabo Swinney and his squad will be coming out ready to make a statement.
While much of the focus will be on Kiffin's first game leading the Tigers, the season opener will provide an opportunity for LSU to gain some momentum off the field. This matchup against Clemson will allow the program to impress some of the nation's top recruits.
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On Wednesday, Rivals recruiting analyst Sam Spiegelman reported that LSU will be hosting class of 2028 wide receiver Carson LaCombe, out of San Antonio, Texas, for a game-day visit while playing Clemson.
At 6-foot-2, 195 pounds, LaCombe is a four-star recruit, the No. 21 wide receiver and the No. 162 player in the nation, according to Rivals Industry Rankings. Last season for Pieper High School, he accumulated 65 receptions for 854 yards and nine touchdowns. He also returned 12 kicks for 264 yards.
A win in front of LaCombe because it could help LSU showcase the direction the program is headed under Kiffin, while a loss could raise some early questions. The Tigers' performance will offer an early glimpse as to how the team performs in high-pressure moments.
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They also aren't the only team pushing for a commitment. The wide receiver has already taken unofficial visits with the Oklahoma Sooners (June 5) and Ohio State Buckeyes (June 18). With competition from some of the nation's top programs, putting together a win in front of LaCombe could have a major impact.
