Kirk Herbstreit can't remember a game with more animosity than Ole Miss-LSU

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Mississippi Clarion Ledger

Kirk Herbstreit can't remember a game with more animosity than Ole Miss-LSU
ESPN "CollegeGameday" personality Kirk Herbstreit said Lane Kiffin's return with LSU to Ole Miss on Sept. 19 has as much animosity as any game has had
by Sam Hutchens
Sept. 18, 2026

OXFORD — As members of ESPN's "College GameDay" cast, Kirk Herbstreit and Rece Davis travel to the biggest and craziest game every week during the college football season.

The scene for the Ole Miss football home game against Lane Kiffin and LSU on Sept. 19 is expected to be unlike anything they've ever seen. The No. 9 Rebels (2-0) are hosting the No. 7 Tigers (2-0) on Sept. 19 (6:30 p.m., ABC) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.

Less than a year ago, Kiffin left Ole Miss before the 2025 College Football Playoff to take the job at LSU.

"This feels personal, and that's what makes it different," Herbstreit said.
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"I can't remember (a game I've been apart of) with this much animosity and the hype," Herbstreit said in an interview with local reporters on Sept. 18. "The fact that it's an SEC game. Move past the Lane Kiffin aspect of it, and both these teams need a win."

Davis likened Kiffin's departure to a breakup in a relationship. He understands why Ole Miss fans are upset, and he expects plenty of booing on set; especially if ESPN airs a graphic or segment on Kiffin. The stage is in The Grove by the graduation stage.

"The situation here, in my judgment and perception of it, and it's understandable, is that it is perceived that he sent the message that they are better than you," Davis said.

Kiffin is not scheduled to be live on "College GameDay."

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