LSU and Southern University Football Games Delayed by Severe Weather in Baton Rouge

BATON ROUGE, La. – Saturday's college football action in Baton Rouge has been thrown into chaos as severe thunderstorms and lightning rolled through the area, forcing weather delays for both the Southern University Jaguars and the No. 13 LSU Tigers .

The much-anticipated season opener for LSU against Clemson, which was set to mark the debut of new head coach Lane Kiffin, was placed under a lightning delay approximately 45 minutes before the scheduled kickoff . According to NCAA regulations, all competition must be suspended if lightning is detected within an 8-mile radius of the stadium . Stadium officials displayed warnings on the videoboards, and the field was cleared as heavy rain and nearby strikes moved through the area .

A Stormy Start in Baton Rouge

The weather delay significantly disrupted the evening's schedule. The original 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff was postponed, and reports indicated that the game was not expected to begin until at least 9:40 p.m. ET due to the required warm-up periods for the players .

In addition to the LSU game, Southern University's home game was also impacted by the passing storms . While the severe weather forced evacuations of the stands at Tiger Stadium—except for the famously raucous student section that remained undeterred—conditions were expected to improve as the evening progressed .

A Debut Already Filled with Drama

The weather delay wasn't the only story surrounding the game, as head coach Lane Kiffin's debut was already a topic of intense national debate . Kiffin made the decision to leave former NFL signees Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off the roster for the season opener . The move comes amid a contentious legal battle regarding a new NCAA eligibility rule, with the SEC threatening severe sanctions if LSU played the athletes .

Kiffin addressed the difficult choice on ESPN's "College GameDay," stating he had to make a decision "for the big picture of LSU" due to the uncertainties surrounding the legal situation .

Despite the roster drama and the weather, Kiffin was able to lead his team on the traditional "Tiger Walk" down "Victory Hill," flanked by influencers including Livvy Dunne and Brooks Nader, before the rain began . As of the latest updates, officials were monitoring the weather, and fans were awaiting the all-clear to begin the 2026 season