LSU’s Kelly Heaps Praise on Clemson Ahead of Opener

LSU head coach Brian Kelly held his press conference Monday and heaped praise on Clemson ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated season opener between the two top-10 teams.

“Clemson [is] obviously a top-ranked team,” Kelly said. “Whatever poll you’re looking at, it’s a top-five team. They’ve reached the CFP. I know Coach [Dabo Swinney] very well. 13 seasons at 10 wins. They’re the epitome of consistency at the highest level.”

Kelly spoke highly of Clemson on both sides of the ball, beginning with senior Cade Klubnik, who is entering his third full season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback and is widely considered a 2025 Heisman Trophy candidate.

“I think everybody talks about their defensive players in particular, but offensively, Cade Klubnik is, I think, a quarterback that played his best ball at the end of the year and is a dual threat,” Kelly said. “Three seasons as a starting quarterback. We’ve made a lot of that, in terms of how important it is to come back for a second year – he’s coming back for his third year, which I think says a lot about him.”

Kelly also specifically mentioned two of Klubnik’s top wide receiver targets in Antonio Williams and Bryant Wesco Jr., as well as the star defensive line duo of tackle Peter Woods and edge rusher T.J. Parker.

“Peter Woods [is] obviously a guy that we’re going to have to deal with inside,” Kelly said. “Parker off the edge is going to require a lot of attention, or they’re going to ruin your day.

“Offensively, I mentioned Cade, who we have a lot of respect for. But a veteran offensive line coming back. Playmakers on the outside – Williams and Wesco are outstanding receivers.”

Saturday’s showdown between ninth-ranked LSU and No. 4 Clemson at Clemson’s Memorial Stadium is set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. and will be televised on ABC.

“This is going to be a great challenge – one that we’re excited about, one that we’re up for, and any goal that you put out there, it’s not worthwhile unless it’s a challenge,” Kelly said. “So, this will be a great challenge that our kids are excited about.”