LSU Football's Lane Kiffin Calls Out Most Hated College Program

The Tigers' new head coach responds to claims that LSU is the most hated program in America.

Mar. 2, 2026 at 9:31pm

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LSU football head coach Lane Kiffin has responded to claims that the Tigers are the most hated college program in America. Kiffin, who took over the LSU job this offseason, said the program's high level of talent and recruiting success has contributed to the perception of being the most disliked team. The Tigers have emerged as one of the most talked-about teams in the country with high expectations for the 2026 season.

Why it matters

Kiffin's comments highlight the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with leading a high-profile program like LSU, which has a passionate fan base and a history of success. As the Tigers look to return to championship contention, Kiffin's ability to navigate the challenges of being a polarizing figure in college football will be crucial.

The details

Kiffin, who is known for his outspoken personality, addressed the perception of LSU being the most hated program in America. He attributed this to the Tigers' talent level and high volume of recruiting success, which has drawn the ire of rival fans and programs. Kiffin also acknowledged that the transfer portal system has contributed to the increased movement of players, which has further fueled the perception of LSU as a program that attracts top talent.

  • LSU hired Lane Kiffin as their new head coach in the offseason.
  • Kiffin's comments came in response to a post from analyst Josh Pate stating that LSU is the most hated program in college football.

The players

Lane Kiffin

The head coach of the LSU Tigers football team, known for his outspoken personality and success in recruiting top talent.

Josh Pate

A college football analyst who stated that LSU is the most hated program in America.

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What they’re saying

“I think talent-wise, probably is. A lot of that too is also the numbers. The volume helps when I make that statement. I think, over time, in general, volume's gone up because as the system evolved.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, LSU Tigers (SI.com)

“It's time for LSU to take its place back as the best program in all of college football. … I'm uniquely prepared at 50 years old for this job to have been so many places, done good things, made a lot of mistakes and made them really early on.”

— Lane Kiffin, Head Coach, LSU Tigers (SI.com)

What’s next

With spring camp less than four weeks away, all eyes will be on the new era of LSU football under Lane Kiffin's leadership as the Tigers look to return to championship contention.

The takeaway

Kiffin's comments highlight the intense scrutiny and pressure that comes with leading a high-profile program like LSU, which has a passionate fan base and a history of success. As the Tigers look to return to championship contention, Kiffin's ability to navigate the challenges of being a polarizing figure in college football will be crucial.