LSU goes overboard with all in approach on Lane Kiffin after Brian Kelly firing
LSU Tig͏ers’ all-͏in push͏ r͏eally͏ took shape when Lane Kiffin ar͏rived, but the story s͏tarted long before t͏hat. Brian K͏elly wa͏s f͏ired in ͏October 202͏5 ͏afte͏r LSU stumbled ͏late and fi͏nished 7-6. The Tig͏ers͏ kept the͏ir hustle on ͏a͏nd ͏pulled Kiffin͏ away from Ol͏e Miss.
͏ T͏hey ͏w͏anted a clear reset. And the money shows it. LSU has already committed huge cash across both football and men’s basketball.
Let’s talk about the football program. MORE: High-profile Indiana Hoosiers transfer receives unique Curt Cignetti welcome According to On3’s Pete Nakos , the Tigers have spent $242 million in total estimated outlay, including a $54 million buyout for Brian Kelly, a $3 million buyout for Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss, an $8 million buyout for Matt McMahon, and a $4 million buyout for Will Wade from NC State. On top of that, LSU signed Kiffin to a seven-year, $91 million deal and gave Wade a seven-year, $30 million contract.
NEW: LSU has committed over $200 million to Lane Kiffin and Will Wade’s programs through buyouts, contracts and roster payrolls, @PeteNakos reports https://t. co/tcSZtSBiBE pic. twitter.
com/bil43SKWRr — On3 (@On3) March 27, 2026 The spending does not stop there. LSU’s estimated football payroll for 2026 is $40 million, while the estimated basketball payroll for 2026-27 is $12 million. That is before all the other roster work and staff costs.