No. 9 LSU and No. 4 Clemson opened the 2025 season with a heavyweight matchup at Memorial Stadium (Death Valley), and it’s playing out like the billing: with 10:53 left in the second quarter, the Tigers are even at 3-3 in a defensive-tilted start anchored by two quarterbacks projected atop the 2026 NFL Draft—LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik.
Key Takeaways
- Score update: tied 3-3 with 10:53 remaining in Q2.
- LSU’s Damian Ramos hit a 52-yard field goal; Clemson’s Nolan Hauser answered from 42 yards.
- Clemson’s Antonio Williams exited to the locker room with an apparent hamstring issue.
- Early passing: Nussmeier 4 of 5 for 23 yards; Klubnik opened 0 for 3.
- Aveion Terrell forced a fumble on LSU’s Bauer Sharp to set up Clemson’s first points (call upheld after review).
- Edge pressure: Clemson’s Will Heidt recorded a sack to stall an LSU drive.
- LSU’s Caden Durham sprung a 24-yard run; Clemson’s crowd noise prompted an LSU timeout on 3rd-and-11.
- Scouts and executives are on hand to evaluate top QB prospects Nussmeier and Klubnik.
Verified Facts
Clemson struck first late in the opening quarter, capitalizing on short field position at LSU’s 24-yard line after cornerback Aveion Terrell jarred the ball loose from Bauer Sharp. Following a lengthy review, the fumble ruling stood. The Tigers could not advance, but Nolan Hauser drilled a 42-yarder for a 3-0 lead with 8:57 in Q1.
LSU answered early in the second. Garrett Nussmeier jump-started a drive with completions to Aaron Anderson (11 yards) and Zavion Thomas (19 yards) before Clemson’s front stiffened, punctuated by a Will Heidt sack. Damian Ramos then tied it from 52 yards to make it 3-3 at the 10:53 mark of Q2.
Through the first quarter-and-change, defenses led the narrative. Nussmeier started an efficient 4 of 5 for 23 yards, while Clemson’s Cade Klubnik opened 0 for 3 against an upgraded LSU secondary. Crowd intensity was palpable: LSU burned a timeout facing 3rd-and-11 near the Clemson 40 after a 24-yard burst by Caden Durham had momentarily quieted the stands.
Clemson suffered a potential blow when star receiver Antonio Williams headed to the locker room with a hamstring concern. Williams posted 75 receptions for 904 yards and 11 touchdowns last season, and his availability will be closely watched tonight.
Context & Impact
This top-10 collision is a launchpad game for the expanded playoff chase. A road win would vault LSU into early contention despite a brutal SEC slate that still features six preseason top-25 opponents. For Clemson, protecting Death Valley against a surging SEC power would validate offseason optimism and reinforce its national title ambitions.
Personnel subplots add intrigue. Clemson’s defensive front—headlined by Peter Woods and T.J. Parker—has looked like “DLU” again, while LSU worked aggressively to restore “DBU” credentials by adding corners Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech) and Tamarcus Cooley (NC State). Houston transfer A.J. Haulcy is unavailable for the first half due to a carryover targeting penalty from 2024. Five-star freshman DJ Pickett is among the LSU defensive backs to watch.
On the perimeter, LSU’s Nic Anderson and Barion Brown square off with Clemson’s receivers corps, including Williams (health permitting) and blue-chip freshman Bryant Wesco Jr. How those matchups evolve—particularly if Williams is limited—could tilt the second half.
Numbers at a Glance
| Situation | Detail |
|---|---|
| Score | LSU 3, Clemson 3 (Q2, 10:53) |
| Long FGs | LSU: Ramos 52; Clemson: Hauser 42 |
| Early QB starts | Nussmeier 4/5, 23 yds; Klubnik 0/3 |
| Key defensive plays | Terrell FF; Heidt sack |
Official Statements
“I’ve had one undefeated team… I think we’re going to be the first 16-0 team. It’s a race to do that.”
Dabo Swinney, via ESPN
Unconfirmed
- The severity of Antonio Williams’ hamstring issue and his timeline to return tonight.
- Specific NFL executives in attendance have not been formally disclosed.
Bottom Line
Through early stretches, this is the disciplined, physical opener many expected. If LSU’s revamped secondary continues to bother Klubnik and Clemson’s front keeps collapsing pockets, a few explosive plays—or a takeaway—could decide it late. Keep an eye on Williams’ status and whether Nussmeier or Klubnik finds rhythm first.