Preview: LSU hosts Louisiana Tech Saturday in home opener

Coming off of a massive road win over Clemson to begin the 2025 season, No. 3 LSU returns home to face Louisiana Tech on Saturday for the home opener.

The Tigers shot up to No. 3 in the AP poll with the win and now look to maintain their momentum against the Bulldogs.

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:32 p.m. CT on ESPN+/SEC Network+ and on the LSU Sports Radio Network.

The Fighting Tigers enter the home opener 1-0 after leaving No. 4 Clemson victorious in a primetime showdown. Blake Baker’s defense made quite the first impression, holding Clemson to 0 second half points and 31 total rushing yards, behind standout performances from linebacker Harold Perkins and cornerback Mansoor Delane.

Perkins, who returned to LSU for his senior season, finished Saturday’s contest with five tackles, two QB hurries and one sack, while Delane, in his Tiger debut, finished with two pass breakups, two tackles and an INT. Sophomore corner PJ Woodland also flashed with five tackles and a pass breakup, adding to an LSU secondary that looked awfully polished for Week 1. Linebacker West Weeks also tallied five tackles.

“It didn’t happen overnight,” Kelly said on defensive improvements. “It started in January. It’s the discipline that we have in the program. Our guys bought into it and it carried onto the field. Those guys really trusted what we’ve been telling them.”

Offensively, the Tigers were led by fifth-year senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who finished with 230 yards and a touchdown on 28-for-38 passing. Aaron Anderson led all receivers with six catches for 99 yards. Running back Caden Durham posted 74 yards and a score on 17 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per touch. Tight end Trey’Dez Green scored the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.

“He’s an electric playmaker,” Kelly said of Anderson, who led the team in receiving. “He would tell you that there’s more there (to work on). When the lights go on, he’s a different dude. I like his maturity and the growth that he’s showing.”

Louisiana Tech is led by quarterback Trey Kukuk, who passed for 130 yards and a touchdown on Saturday in the Bulldogs’ win over Southeastern. At running back, Clay Thevenin led the team with 61 yards on six carries for a touchdown, averaging 10.2 yards per touch.Tight end Eli Finley led the receivers with four catches for 59 yards, while Omiri Wiggins caught the lone touchdown pass.

Defensively, the Bulldogs are led by linebacker Kolbe Fields, who finished with a team-leading 13 tackles and a sack. Linebacker Sifa Leota was right behind with 12 tackles and a pass breakup while Mekhi Mason finished with nine tackles, two sacks and a PBU.

“It’s a nameless, faceless opponent every single week,” said linebacker West Weeks. “If we’re going out and playing the No. 1 team in the country or going out and playing whoever, it’s a 1-0 mindset.”

It’s early, but Coach Kelly sees a confident group who trusts their work and preparation. There’s no question that on Saturday, as the Tigers return home to the Cathedral of College Football, it will be a group full of energy and passion.

“Energy and passion are important,” Kelly said. “Just working is not good enough. One of the things that stands out is there’s a lot of passion on the defensive side of the ball. Guys being unselfish.”

Tickets together for the home opener against Louisiana Tech are sold out. Fans are reminded to reference LSUsports.net/parking for complete details, policies, maps and more. Additional gameday information – including in-stadium and tailgating policies – can be found at LSUsports.net/gameday.

LSU Times of Interest

LSU vs. Louisiana Tech
September 6, 2025 * Baton Rouge, La. (Tiger Stadium) * ESPN+/SECN+

Saturday, September 6
7 a.m. – Parking Lots on LSU Campus open
10 a.m. – LSU SportShop open (next to Mike’s Habitat)
11:30 a.m. LSU Athletic Ticket Office open
1:30 p.m. – PMAC open to public
1:30 p.m. – Bud Light Fan Zone opens
• Located in front of PMAC
1:30 p.m. – Thomas Cain performs at Bud Light Fan Zone
2 p.m. – L-Club Tailgate opens at PMAC
• Enter at SW portal near Mike’s Habitat
3:30 p.m. – Suites and Club Level open at Tiger Stadium
3:55 p.m. – LSU departs hotel for Tiger Walk
4 p.m. – LSU Spirit Squad walks down Victory Hill
4:07 p.m. – TAF Oaks Society walks down Victory Hill
4:09 p.m. – Ford Truck drives down Victory Hill
4:10 p.m. – Mike the Tiger with Golf Cart drives down Victory Hill
4:14 p.m. – LSU Band marches down Victory Hill
4:15 p.m. – LSU arrives at Victory Hill
4:17 p.m. – LSU walks down Victory Hill
4:30 p.m. – LSU arrives at Tiger Stadium
4:30 p.m. – LSU Game Day pregame radio show live from Bud Light Fan Zone
• Hunt Palmer, Brandon Taylor, Marlon Favorite
4:30 p.m. – All gates to Tiger Stadium open
4:40 p.m. – LSU Band performance in PMAC
5 p.m. – LSU Band arrives in Tiger Stadium
6 p.m. – LSU Sports Radio Network live from Tiger Stadium
• Chris Blair, Jacob Hester, Gordy Rush
• Listen free at LSUsports.net/live or on LSU Sports Mobile App
6:11 – LSU 3.0 Student-Athlete Recognition
6:15 p.m. – Golden Band from Tigerland Pregame Show in Tiger Stadium
6:20 p.m. – Moment of Reflection
6:20:30 p.m. LSU Alma Mater
6:22:30 p.m. National Anthem with flyover
6:25 p.m. – LSU departs locker room
6:27 p.m. – LSU intro video on videoboards in Tiger Stadium
6:28 p.m. – LSU takes the field
6:29 p.m. – Louisiana Tech takes the field
6:29 p.m. – Coin toss at midfield
6:29 p.m. – Guest Captains presentation
• LB Michael Divinity Jr., RB Terrance Magee, WR Eddie Kennison II
6:32 p.m. – Kickoff: LSU vs. Louisiana Tech on SECN+/ESPN+

In-Game Presentations:
1Q/2Q Break: OLOL Geaux Hero
2Q/1st Timeout: Super Chevy Soldier Salute
2Q/3rd Timeout: Sam Burns Ryder Cup recognition
3Q/1st Timeout: Louisiana Principals recognition
3Q/2nd Timeout: US Army Flyover Crew recognition

Halftime:
Louisiana Tech band performs
LSU band performs

*LSU press release