Clemson vs. LSU Player Props: Best Bets for College Football Week 1

No. 11 LSU brought Lane Kiffin and his offensive mind in as its new head coach, but my Clemson vs. LSU player props for Week 1 expect that it will take some time for Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt to turn into Kiffin’s version of Trinidad Chambliss from last year. I also call for a player prop that reflects a conservative Clemson approach, while also highlighting my top anytime touchdown play.

Kickoff from Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge is set for 7:30 p.m. ET, airing on ABC, and LSU is a 10.5-point betting favorite in our college football Week 1 predictions. 

🏈 Clemson vs. LSU player prop picks: Week 1

See the latest college football odds and our college football picks.

Total wagered: 3 units | Max profit: +3.05 units

💰 Clemson vs. LSU best prop bet: Gideon Davidson Over 9.5 rushing attempts (-115) 

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed multiple times in training camp and even as recently as mid-August that Gideon Davidson was the team’s featured running back. And the fact that Clemson reunited with former offensive coordinator Chad Morris, who was in that role from 2011-14, should mean big things for the Tigers running game.

With Morris calling the plays, Clemson was one of five programs during his tenure to eclipse both 15,000 passing yards and 8,500 rushing yards. And in his first three seasons, Clemson was one of two FBS schools with a 3,000-yard passer, 1,000-yard receiver, and 1,000-yard rusher in that span.

I expect a conservative game plan since quarterback Christopher Vizzina only started one game last year, and Davidson should see 10-plus carries if the Tigers can stay close early.

🔥 More Clemson vs. LSU prop picks: Week 1

See all of our college football analysis and expert predictions.

Sam Leavitt Under 264.5 passing yards (-114) 

Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt is 16-4 in 20 career starts and is now handed the reins to an offense under coaches that guided Ole Miss to the most first downs and second-most yards per game last year. But this wager is more about Clemson’s defense returning 61% of its production (26th in FBS), and a lot of it coming in the secondary after having to replace five of last year’s top seven from the defensive front.

After finishing outside the SP+ top 20 on defense for three straight years, Clemson may benefit from bringing in 17 transfers after taking in 16 transfers total from 2018-25. 

We're getting a great number and price on this wager at FanDuel, as Leavitt's O/U is at 257.5 yards, the low end of the market.

Trey'Dez Green anytime touchdown scorer (+130) 

Trey’Dez Green is coming off a year where he had a 75.0 PFF receiving grade, which would have been even higher if not for a 14.7% drop rate. He increased his touchdown total from four in 2024 to seven last year and had a solid 122.8 passer rating when targeted. Those are big reasons why many project him to be a top five tight end selected in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Sam Leavitt has 65.52% implied odds (-190 at bet365) to throw for two or more touchdowns. So while I was not high on the quarterback’s passing yardage, these are still great odds for him to find Green in the end zone, or from further out, with his unique ability to stretch the field.

🚀 Clemson vs. LSU same-game parlay

📺 How to watch Clemson vs. LSU: Week 1

• Date: Saturday, Sept. 5
• Kickoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Tiger Stadium (Baton Rouge, La.)
• TV: ABC