If Lane Kiffin is going to be college football’s villain, he might as well have the entrance to match.
Ahead of his first game as LSU’s head coach, Kiffin walked the Tiger’s traditional “Tiger Walk” next to former LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne, comedian Theo Von and model Brooks Nader.
Because … of course.
Kiffin, who is set to take over at LSU after the team’s underwhelming finish to the 2025 season, has spent the better part of the past year building his case as college football’s most entertaining villain.
First, he left Ole Miss amid a historic season that included the program’s first-ever College Football Playoff appearance to accept the head coaching job at LSU. Kiffin was forced to miss the CFP as Ole Miss’ head coach, with Pete Golding elevated to lead the Rebels in his absence.
Then came the offseason.
Kiffin recruited multiple players who had spent time in NFL training camps this summer back to college football, adding another layer to his already considerable villain résumé.
The first-year LSU head coach was asked about all the outside noise surrounding his program on Saturday morning, ahead of his team’s season opener against Clemson.
“A lot of times to do great things, you’re going to be hated,” Kiffin said.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin recruited multiple players who had spent time in NFL training camps this summer back to college football. (Photo by Gus Stark/University Images via Getty Images}
It was announced Friday night that former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris — both of whom had brief stints in the NFL — were not added to LSU’s roster, but the moves only added to the intrigue surrounding Kiffin’s first season in Baton Rouge.
Then came Saturday’s entrance.
Kiffin arrived at Tiger Stadium in a sharply tailored suit and sunglasses, shaking hands and waving to fans as he made his way inside the stadium.
Not exactly your average stadium walk.
But then again, there isn’t much about Lane Kiffin that’s average.
Since arriving in Baton Rouge, the Tigers’ head coach has compiled the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class, per 247Sports. He added star quarterback Sam Leavitt, Colorado offensive lineman Jordan Seaton, and Ole Miss defensive standouts TJ Dottery and Princewill Umanmielen.
Kiffin also added former LSU coach Ed Orgeron, who led the Tigers to an undefeated 14-0 record and national title in 2019, to his staff. Orgeron will serve as special assistant to recruiting and defense.
Kiffin has spent years embracing the attention, and on Saturday, heading into his first game as LSU’s head coach in front of what should be a packed Tiger Stadium, he looked comfortable playing the part.
College football’s villain has officially arrived in Baton Rouge.
