The stars were out in force in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for one of the biggest games in college football – but, for LSU coach Lane Kiffin, Saturday’s clash with Alabama ended in humiliation and ignominy.

First Lady Melania Trump was among the crowd, while Kiffin walked to the stadium flanked by LSU alumni Shaquille O’Neal, Angel Reese, Livvy Dunne and Paul Skenes, as well as Hollywood star Kevin Costner. 

Unfortunately for Kiffin – one of college football’s most divisive figures – the smile was wiped from his face a few hours later after Alabama secured a 31-13 win that leaves LSU’s playoff hopes hanging by a thread.

Toward the end of the loss, which leaves LSU 6-3 for the season, a fan was heard heckling Kiffin from the stands of Tiger Stadium. 

‘Hey Lane, f*** you!’ the supporter shouted in a moment that was caught on the ABC broadcast. 

Even before this result, LSU was ranked No 14 in country, meaning their hopes of reaching the 12-team College Football Playoffs are in serious jeopardy heading into next week’s clash with Texas.

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin was heckled during a humiliating loss to Alabama on Saturday

Melania Trump was in Baton Rouge to watch LSU’s game against Alabama in the SEC

LSU coach Kiffin brought numerous big names to his spirit walk including Angel Reese [Source: X/@LSU Football]

Hollywood star Kevin Costner was also in attendance and filmed speaking to Kiffin pre-game [Source: X/@LSU Football]

Former LSU gymnast and social media star Livvy Dunne was part of the star-studded cast

With this loss on home soil, Kiffin’s head coaching record against Alabama now stands at 0-6.

Melania Trump’s visit to Baton Rouge sparked a massive security operation as she unveiled a $5 million scholarship fund as part of her Fostering the Future initiative. 

NBA legend O’Neal and Reese, meanwhile, first met at an LSU-Alabama game back in 2022, striking up a close friendship before she became a WNBA star.

On Thursday night, Reese was at LSU watching her old women’s basketball team dominate Texas South 131-22 in a one-sided affair. 

MLB superstar Skenes, meanwhile, met Dunne when she was a gymnast at LSU and they both attended the school.

They have gone on to become one of America’s biggest sporting power couples and returned to Baton Rouge for the big game.

Dunne shared glimpses of her outfit and behind the scenes footage on her social media. She was also pictured talking to Kiffin’s daughter, Landry, before the game.

Livvy Dunne shared behind the scenes insight including posing with Reese and Shaq [Source: Instagram/@LivvyDunne]

The megastars were greeted by an army of LSU fans preparing for the big game at home [Source: X/@LSU Football]

Former LSU pitcher and Pittsburgh Pirates star Paul Skenes was back in Baton Rouge [Source: X/@LSU Football]

Dunne shared a close look at her tiger print outfit and leather pants to support the LSU Tigers [Source: Instagram/@LivvyDunne]

There was controversy over the 3:30 pm ET kickoff time in Louisiana, with Lane Kiffin questioning the fact the game was not sanctioned as a night game. 

‘It’s interesting that all of a sudden this year, for the first time ever since 2010, or first time since 2010, Alabama’s coming to LSU and not playing at night,’ Kiffin said. 

‘So there’s a lot of people around here upset about it and complaining and stuff, and I said, ‘Well, you know, don’t think we got a lot of people around the SEC really rooting for LSU this year after what’s transpired.”

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer responded and dismissed the notion of it giving his team any sort of advantage.  

DeBoer replied: ‘Well, I feel like we’re on the road, and so, I’d rather play at home if I’m gonna have all the advantages. 

‘But yeah, with the earlier kick, is that what you’re asking? Yeah, I don’t even choose that, I guess. I don’t have any choice in that. It is what it is. We just gotta show up for the play.’

It was also the last time LSU and Alabama will face each other until 2028, with the SEC moving away from the rivalry game being an annual matchup.

NBA legend and LSU alumni Shaquille O’Neal wore an enormous ‘S’ chain around his neck [Source: X/@LSU Football]

Angel Reese was at her second LSU game this week after watching the women’s basketball [Source: X/@LSU Football]

‘Yeah, I mean, I think that’s just sad, and I understand, so I’m not being critical,’ Kiffin said of the change. ‘All of them (decisions) probably really come down to money.

‘Whether that’s the realignments, whether that’s the rivalries. And so, I think it’s all sad in general in the big picture of things, you know, that money drives to make such great traditions and rivalries.

‘And there’s really good things that have changed in college football over the years. But there’s also a lot that I think myself and a lot of people wish that they were the way that they were. (Keeping) rivalries and conferences the same,’ Kiffin added.

‘And so, unfortunately, it’s where we are that really doesn’t seem like much is going to be protected when it comes to TV contracts and money and other people’s ideas.’