Media attention has brought more eyes to LSU football. Here’s why that means bigger stakes

Louisiana State Football head coach Lane Kiffin on set on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, during the ESPN College GameDay broadcast at The Quad in Baton Rouge, La.

On a scale from 10 to 51, LSU football’s win over Clemson on Sept. 5 was monumental. The rain and thunder might have deterred some LSU students, but did not affect the team’s morale.

The Tigers came out strong; despite an interception thrown in the first quarter, the team did not falter.

LSU’s opening game drew national attention. Nine hundred celebrities, media personnel and former players were in attendance, including Theo Von, Justin Jefferson and Livvy Dunne. Famous country singer Lainey Wilson performed before the game at ESPN’s College GameDay.

The Clemson game was the most credential-requested contest in LSU history. With this much interest, there was a lot of pressure on LSU to win its season opener. After LSU did that, the pressure doubled in week two and has now tripled in week three.

A new coach and quarterback added to the stakes in Week 1 and have been consistent in the chatter as the season has continued.

Lane Kiffin, LSU’s new head coach, faced a lot of hostility for pushing for two players that signed NFL contracts to be allowed back on a college roster. Despite this chatter being abruptly ended between the Tigers’ first and second games, the outside attention hasn’t faltered yet because Kiffin is also the former head coach of LSU’s opponent in Week 3 — Ole Miss.

Kiffin also added former LSU football head coach Ed Orgeron to his staff as a special assistant to recruiting and defense. Orgeron led LSU to a 15-0 record and the 2019 national championship.

This transformation of the program led to a newfound energy from LSU’s fanbase. That passion stole the show during the Tigers’ opening game versus Clemson and follows them into their upcoming matchup versus Ole Miss.

2019 national champion Jefferson returned ahead of the start of his seventh NFL season, but he wasn’t the only LSU athlete to return to Baton Rouge. Former LSU gymnast Dunne returned to Death Valley and walked down Victory Hill with the team.

Flau’jae Johnson, former LSU basketball star and current Seattle Storm guard, was also in attendance for the season opener.

Social media sensations were also in attendance. Joining Dunne and the football team was podcaster Vonn.

Along with Wilson, ESPN’s College GameDay brought hosts Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee and Nick Saban.

“There’s no greater environment in all of sports than Tiger Stadium at night,” Davis said.

The amount of media attention, whether it was through television, social media or print media, has encouraged everyone to watch LSU in 2026. Having a huge pre-game performance by Wilson on ESPN’S College GameDay drew in a larger audience: those who might not be football fans, but avid country music supporters.

Wilson predicts an LSU vs. Miami National Championship, with LSU winning.

“They ain’t scared of a hurricane,” Wilson said in her prediction.

Major celebrities with ties to LSU proved that they truly are forever LSU.

All of the chatter comes to another point on Saturday, Sept. 19, as Kiffin returns to Vaught-Hemmingway to face his former university in a game that has been discussed since his departure.