Sam Leavitt injury bombshell sends LSU-Ole Miss showdown into chaotic mode, as Kiffin's return looms

LSU Quarterback Sam Leavitt Listed “Doubtful” Ahead of Saturday’s SEC Showdown

Baton Rouge, La. – LSU’s starting quarterback, Sam Leavitt, was tagged “doubtful” in the SEC’s first availability report released Wednesday night, raising questions about his participation in the highly anticipated Saturday matchup against Ole Miss in Oxford, Mississippi.

Leavitt, who led the Tigers with 366 yards and four touchdowns in their 45‑25 victory over Louisiana Tech last week, was limited in Wednesday’s practice due to an upper‑body injury, according to sources familiar with the situation. The injury came after a game in which he also threw three interceptions, a performance that has drawn scrutiny from fans and analysts alike.

The SEC requires each member team to release an initial player‑availability report three days before a scheduled game. The report is updated Thursday and Friday, with a final version due 90 minutes before kickoff. Teams that fail to comply can face fines, a rule designed to ensure transparency for players, coaches and betting markets.

Lane Kiffin, LSU’s head coach who returned to Baton Rouge this season, did not comment on Leavitt’s condition during his Monday press conference, nor did he address the injury that surfaced after the Louisiana Tech game. Kiffin’s omission has fueled speculation, though the coach has yet to provide a definitive answer. He is slated to hold a coaches’ show Thursday afternoon before the team travels to Oxford on Friday.

In the SEC handbook, a player listed as “doubtful” is defined as “unlikely to play due to significant concerns,” whereas a “questionable” designation indicates uncertainty. Leavitt’s status currently places him near the bottom of LSU’s roster monitoring, suggesting that the coaching staff is cautious about his readiness for the upcoming game.

The Tigers’ fans and bettors are watching closely. If Leavitt remains sidelined, LSU will have to rely on its backup quarterback, a shift that could alter offensive strategy and impact the team’s prospects against a strong Ole Miss squad.

LSU will release additional updates to the availability report on Thursday and Friday, and the final status will be announced just before the kickoff. Until then, the question of whether Sam Leavitt will suit up for Saturday’s clash remains unanswered.