The highly anticipated season opener between No. 13 LSU and No. 23 Clemson faced a lengthy delay due to lightning and severe weather on September 5, 2026.
Why it matters: The game marks the debut of Lane Kiffin as LSU's head coach, adding extra excitement to an already charged matchup. Delays like this can impact team momentum and fan engagement, especially in high-stakes games.
LSU's season opener against Clemson was originally scheduled for 6:49 p.m. but was pushed back due to weather conditions.
Lightning strikes occurred near Tiger Stadium around 5 p.m., prompting officials to announce a 90-minute delay at 5:40 p.m.
Fans were forced to take cover as heavy rain began falling just minutes after the delay announcement.
Driving the news: The delay was officially declared at 5:40 p.m., with stadium officials warning that competition must be halted if lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius, per NCAA rules.
As rain continued to pour, the earliest possible new kickoff time was tentatively set for 7:10 p.m., but that was quickly deemed unlikely.
By 7:10 p.m., the countdown clock for warm-ups began, indicating a potential kickoff time of 8:40 p.m., assuming no additional weather issues arose.
Fans remained hopeful as they listened to classic tunes like Creedence Clearwater Revival’s "Have You Ever Seen The Rain" played over the loudspeakers.
State of play: As the rain continued, the situation remained fluid, with officials monitoring the weather closely.
Clemson's players took the field for warm-ups shortly before 8 p.m., a sign that conditions might be improving.
Weather forecasts indicated a 73% chance of thunderstorms at 7 p.m. and a 75% chance at 8 p.m., raising concerns about additional delays.
The game is expected to be televised on ABC, with commentators Chris Fowler and Kirk Herbstreit on the call.
The big picture: This game is not just a regular season opener; it’s a clash of two powerhouse programs with rich histories in college football.
LSU has a storied tradition, and this season marks a new era under Kiffin, who previously coached at Ole Miss.
Clemson, under coach Dabo Swinney, aims to improve on last season's disappointing 7-6 record.
Historically, Clemson holds a 1-4 record against LSU, with their only win coming in the 2012 Chick-fil-A Bowl.
What they're saying: Reactions from fans and analysts highlight the anticipation and frustration surrounding the delay.
“Kickoff will be later than expected,” the public address announcer stated, echoing the disappointment among fans.
Many students remained in the stands, waving towels and singing along to the music, showing their unwavering support for the Tigers.
“We just want to see our team play,” one enthusiastic fan said, capturing the sentiment of many in attendance.
By the numbers: The weather played a major role in the game’s timing and atmosphere.
The initial kickoff time was set for 6:49 p.m., later adjusted to 8:40 p.m. pending weather.
Heavy rain began just minutes after the lightning delay announcement, scattering fans seeking shelter.
This marks the first trip for Clemson to Tiger Stadium, adding to the stakes of the matchup.
What's next: Fans will need to stay tuned for updates as the weather continues to evolve.
Kickoff is now tentatively scheduled for 9:40 p.m. Eastern time, but this is subject to change based on weather conditions.
Officials will continue to monitor the situation closely, with safety being the top priority.
Expect updates from both teams as they navigate this unusual start to the season.