Stars Join Melania Trump at LSU-Alabama Showdown

November 7, 2026

Melania Trump attended LSU’s home game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, where she announced a scholarship fund worth $5 million under her Fostering the Future initiative. Her visit prompted a major security operation in the city.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin was joined during the team’s traditional spirit walk by former Tigers Shaquille O’Neal, Angel Reese, gymnast and social media personality Livvy Dunne, and baseball star Paul Skenes. Actor Kevin Costner was also at the game and was seen speaking with Kiffin before kickoff.

Dunne and Skenes, who both attended LSU, returned to Baton Rouge for the matchup. Dunne posted behind-the-scenes footage and wore tiger-print clothing to support the team. Reese, now a WNBA star, had also attended LSU’s women’s basketball game on Thursday, when the team beat Texas South 131-22.

The 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff drew criticism from Kiffin, who noted that Alabama’s first visit to LSU since 2010 that was not scheduled as a night game had upset local fans. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer said he had no say in the start time and did not consider it an advantage for his team.

The teams entered the game with 6-2 records. It is their last scheduled meeting until 2028, as the SEC moves away from making the rivalry an annual matchup. Kiffin said changes to rivalries and conferences were often driven by money and called the loss of traditions sad, while acknowledging that college football had also changed in positive ways.