After No. 11 LSU’s Explosive Win Over Clemson, How High Will the Tigers Climb?
LSU gave AP Top 25 voters something to reconsider Saturday night.
Entering the season ranked No. 11, the Tigers overwhelmed Clemson 51–10 at Tiger Stadium, delivering a commanding opening statement under Lane Kiffin. LSU produced 644 yards of total offense as quarterback Sam Leavitt helped power a performance that immediately strengthened the Tigers’ case for a higher ranking. LSU Athletics
Now comes the question: How much movement should LSU expect in the next AP poll?
Our projection is No. 9, with No. 8–10 representing a reasonable range. That is The Who Dat Daily’s assessment—not an announced AP ranking.
Why LSU has a top-10 case
Winning by 41 points against Clemson gives voters a reason to revisit their preseason expectations. LSU’s offensive production also provides substance behind the score. This was an opening performance that invites a fresh evaluation of how dangerous Kiffin’s team could become.
There is an important distinction, however: Clemson entered outside the AP Top 25. LSU beat a recognizable program, but this does not count as a victory over a ranked opponent based on the opening poll. Tiger Rag
That makes a top-10 argument easier to defend than an immediate leap into the top five.
Who stands directly ahead of LSU?
The preseason poll placed Texas A&M eighth, Ole Miss ninth and Oklahoma tenth. LSU’s 988 voting points left it 59 behind Oklahoma, 114 behind Ole Miss and 143 behind Texas A&M.
Those gaps offer context, but they are not fixed thresholds. Voters submit new ballots, and LSU’s movement depends on how they reassess the entire field.
The Tigers also cannot count on those three teams falling because of opening losses:
- Texas A&M defeated Missouri State 50–0, giving the Aggies their own dominant opener. Texas A&M Athletics
- Ole Miss beat ranked Louisville 41–38, adding an opponent-quality argument despite the close finish. Ole Miss Athletics
- Oklahoma shut out UTEP 51–0, leaving the Sooners with little reason to apologize for their performance. Oklahoma Athletics
LSU would need voters to reward its performance enough to move it ahead of teams that also won.
Why No. 9 is our projection
A move to ninth would balance LSU’s impressive opener with the results of the teams already above it.
Our assessment gives LSU’s decisive victory over Clemson more weight than a routine opening win, while recognizing that one game cannot settle every question about the Tigers—or their opponent.
Eighth is possible if enough voters make a substantial adjustment. Tenth would represent a more cautious response. Staying at No. 11 would also remain possible if voters largely preserve their previous order.
The bigger opportunity
LSU has supplied an early reason to take its ceiling seriously. The next challenge is turning that opening performance into a consistent standard.
For now, the Tigers have earned a strong argument for the top 10. Our call is No. 9 in the next AP Top 25.
Tiger Nation: Where would you rank LSU after the Clemson blowout—No. 8, No. 9, or higher?
Read our full recap of LSU’s 51–10 victory over Clemson for more coverage.
