Before the LSU‑Alabama clash, Lane Kiffin turned Tiger Stadium into a celebrity runway, ushering in a mix of sports legends and Hollywood royalty.
Key points
- Lane Kiffin invited high‑profile athletes and a Hollywood star to boost morale and media buzz before the LSU‑Alabama game.
- Shaquille O'Neal, Paul Skenes and Angel Reese have direct LSU alumni ties; Kevin Costner’s connection to the school is not explained in the source.
- Kiffin’s public comments combined nostalgia for the rivalry with a light‑hearted call for fans to start drinking early.
On the Saturday before LSU’s high‑stakes game against Alabama, head coach Lane Kiffin greeted a crowd that included NBA great Shaquille O'Neal, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, WNBA standout Angel Reese and actor Kevin Costner, according to an OutKick Sports report.
The three athletes have clear ties to the LSU program – Shaq played for the Tigers in the early 1990s, Skenes was a top baseball recruit and Reese starred for the women’s basketball team – while Costner’s connection to the school remains unclear, the article notes that his presence was likely a "flex" for the program.
Star‑studded arrival at Tiger Stadium
Kiffin, described in the piece as the "P.T. Barnum of college football," used the star‑power to amp up excitement ahead of a game that could determine LSU’s College Football Playoff hopes. He also told fans to "start drinking early," a comment that accompanied his expressed sadness over recent changes to the LSU‑Alabama rivalry.
The report highlights that the appearance was part of a broader promotional push, suggesting that if LSU earns a playoff berth, Costner’s involvement could continue to draw attention, even if his personal link to the university is tenuous.
Costner’s mysterious LSU link
The article includes a disclaimer that it contains affiliate links to sports‑betting partners and that the content was produced by a team independent of the Fox News newsroom.
Reader questions
Why did Lane Kiffin bring celebrities to Tiger Stadium?
According to the OutKick Sports article, Kiffin used the appearances to generate excitement and media attention ahead of LSU’s crucial game against Alabama.
What is Kevin Costner’s link to LSU?
The source states that Costner’s LSU connection is unclear, suggesting his presence was more about star power than a direct affiliation.
What did Kiffin say about the LSU‑Alabama rivalry?
Kiffin expressed that he is "sad" about recent changes to the rivalry and encouraged fans to "start drinking early" before the matchup.
Source: foxnews.com
