The stars were out in force in Baton Rouge, Louisiana for one of the biggest games of a stacked Saturday of college football.

First Lady Melania Trump attended LSU's home game against Alabama, sparking a massive security operation in the town as she unveiled a $5 million scholarship fund as part of her Fostering the Future initiative.

But she wasn't the only big name to attend, with Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin bringing out the stars to support his team.

During the traditional spirit walk to the stadium, Kiffin was joined by LSU alumni Shaquille O'Neal, Angel Reese, Livvy Dunne and Paul Skenes, as well as Hollywood star Kevin Costner. 

NBA legend O'Neal and Reese 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.

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 is 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.

'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.'

Kiffin called Alabama the 'most talented team' LSU has played so far this season. Both teams entered the game at 6-2 and knowing a win - or loss - could have enormous implications for their College Football Playoff hopes. 

'We've got to make sure that we perform really well against a really good team that's coached really well, that has really good players,' Kiffin explained.

'And you see them, and they look like old Alabama teams as far as their size, and length, and explosiveness of the skilled positions on offense and the quarterback,' Kiffin continued. 

'So we're going to have to play really well, because I do think this is the most talented (team), when you take the 22 (players), you know, not just the quarterback. This is the most talented team that we've played so far.'

DeBoer had similarly kind things to say about Kiffin's LSU team. He said: 'We've got a very good LSU team, as you know, and Coach [Lane] Kiffin's done a great job bringing a lot of new faces together in a short amount of time. 

'You see them continue to improve. Top 10 offense, top 10 defense. Very explosive in all ways. So, obviously going on the road, that'll be a challenge as well, and so, one that I know our guys are excited about and looking forward to.'