LSU Rises to No. 3 in AP Top 25 After Gritty Win Over Clemson

The LSU Tigers made their case as one of the nation’s elite teams this past weekend, climbing to No. 3 in the latest AP Top 25 poll after a hard-fought 17-10 victory over Clemson.

In a game that carried early playoff implications, LSU leaned on its defense to secure the win.

The Tigers’ front seven controlled the line of scrimmage, consistently disrupting Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik and holding the Tigers from the ACC to just 10 points. It was a statement performance against one of college football’s most respected programs.

Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier managed the game efficiently, delivering timely throws and leading a key second-half scoring drive that proved to be the difference. While it wasn’t the offensive explosion some fans might have expected, LSU showed it could win with toughness and discipline when points came at a premium.

Head coach Brian Kelly praised his team’s ability to close out a physical battle. “This was the kind of game that tests your identity,” Kelly said. “We responded with poise, leaned on our defense, and made the plays we needed to win.”

With the victory, LSU vaulted from No. 9 to No. 3 in the rankings, its highest position since the program’s national championship run in 2019. The win also bolsters the SEC’s strong start to the season in high-profile non-conference matchups.

Clemson, meanwhile, fell out of the top 10 but still remains a team to watch in the ACC race.

For LSU, the path forward is clear: the Tigers now carry playoff-level expectations into the heart of their SEC schedule. If Saturday’s performance is any indication, they’re built to handle the pressure.