The LSU vs Clemson meeting on Saturday has the potential to deliver an instant classic. Both teams are ranked in the top-ten of the preseason AP Top 25 Poll, and both are led by veteran quarterbacks in Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik. Both gunslingers could be top-ten picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Both Tiger programs have national title hopes this season, which means a lot is on the line in this highly-anticipated matchup. Here is a look at the current LSU vs Clemson odds, as well as a prediction.
Current LSU vs Clemson odds
The spread for this matchup has hovered back-and-forth between 3.5-4 points in Clemson's favor. As of 3:00 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 25, Clemson is favored by 3.5 points according to BetMGM Sportsbook. The total, or over/under, is listed at 57.5. When it comes to the moneyline, Clemson has odds of -175 while LSU has odds of +145.
Bettors are backing LSU on the road
It's only Monday, but bettors are making it clear who they love in this top-ten matchup. Fans and bettors alike are flocking to back Brian Kelly's squad, as LSU +4 is among the most popular wagers at BetMGM Sportsbook.
In terms of total tickets at BetMGM Sportsbook, only four teams are getting more support from college football bettors than LSU for this weekend's Week 1 games: Texas +1.5, Alabama -13.5, Notre Dame -2.5 and Boise State -6. LSU passes Boise State to claim the No. 4 spot in terms of the most money being wagered on individual teams in Week 1.
Early College Football Week 1 betting at @BetMGM
— John Ewing (@johnewing) August 25, 2025
Most bet teams🎟️
1. Texas +1.5
2. Alabama -13.5
3. Notre Dame -2.5
4. Boise State -6
5. LSU +4
Most bet teams💰
1. Alabama -13.5
2. Texas +1.5
3. Notre Dame -2.5
4. LSU +4
5. Boise State -6
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LSU vs Clemson prediction
It's not surprising to see Clemson favored. This is Clemson's first season opener at home since 2019, and the home fans are sure to create a raucous atmosphere. Dabo Swinney's team is led by an impressive defensive front that includes potential top-ten picks in DT Peter Woods and EDGE T.J. Parker. Veteran QB Cade Klubnik could also be a high draft pick, and he is coming off a spectacular 2024 season that saw him throw for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns. Clemson's roster returns the most production in the country, making the battle against LSU's top-ranked transfer portal class even more intriguing.
LSU is equipped with a lethal offense that can give Clemson's secondary some issues. If the new-look offensive line can hold up enough to give Nussmeier time to operate, LSU has enough firepower to pull off the minor upset. That is a big if, though. LSU hasn't delivered a 1-0 start since 2019, and Tiger fans are hungry for a season opening win in the worst possible way. It won't be easy, but it can be done.
This could be a highly entertaining game that goes back-and-forth from start to finish. Neither quarterback will be phased by the pressure, and it wouldn't be surprising to see this game go down to the wire. With that in mind, backing LSU +4 could be the play. A look to the moneyline could be worth a sprinkle as well.
Score prediction: LSU wins 31-28