Clemson vs. LSU for College GameDay Week 1 was a clear choice, here’s why
Wonder why Clemson vs. LSU got picked for College GameDay in Week 1? Here’s why this was the obvious, best choice by ESPN.
When I first saw that Clemson facing LSU had been picked for Week 1 of ESPN’s College GameDay , the first thing I thought was, “wow this makes sense. ” For those who are questioning why, I’ve got you covered. If we’re being honest, Clemson football taking on LSU sounded a lot better in 2025 than 2026.
Two preseason top 10 teams facing off to open the season with both programs praised as “clear” National Championship contenders. The hype was tremendous and initially it looked like two programs were fighting for a top spot in college football that year… then the rest of the year happened. Clemson fell to 7-6 as one of the most disappointing teams in the game and one of the only other team teams just as disappointing as them was LSU.
Like Clemson, LSU finished 7-6, but also fired their former head coach Brian Kelly after a miserable run with the program. From high expectations to low realities, these programs were at the pinnacle of disappointment last season. Now, both programs look to 2026 with new expectations and aspirations.
Those expectations are nowhere near last season’s, so why College GameDay this time around? Why pick Clemson vs. LSU after last season?