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LSU's Leavitt Cleared to Start Against Ole Miss
Confirmed
In Short: LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has been cleared to start against Ole Miss after being listed as doubtful on Wednesday due to an upper body injury.
Players who begin the week with a 'doubtful' tag rarely end up playing, but Leavitt was off the report entirely just 48 hours later.
Leavitt's expedited progress has raised eyebrows around the conference, with some questioning whether LSU coach Lane Kiffin was engaging in gamesmanship ahead of the game.
Leavitt was initially listed as doubtful on Wednesday’s SEC availability report after missing practice due to back spasms or a sore throwing shoulder, depending on the report.
The junior transfer has started LSU’s first two games under coach Lane Kiffin, completing 41 of 66 passes for 574 yards and two touchdowns while adding 135 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
Leavitt’s availability removes a major question mark for No. 7 LSU heading into its top-10 matchup with the Rebels, though former Ole Miss linebacker TJ Dottery is still listed as questionable for the Tigers.
LSU upgraded Leavitt from doubtful to questionable Thursday and then took him off the report entirely Friday, clearing the way for the quarterback to play.
The nature of Leavitt's injury or when it occurred remains a mystery, with conflicting reports emerging about the exact nature of his injury.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin did not say anything about Leavitt's health at a Monday news conference, adding to the speculation.
In two games with LSU, Leavitt has completed 41 of 66 passes for 574 yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Mississippi State Auditor Shad White joked about the possibility of the quarterback playing Saturday, saying, “If Sam Leavitt mysteriously goes from ‘doubtful’ to playing on Saturday, I will audit the entire state of Louisiana.”
The rapid change in Leavitt's status has raised questions about the transparency of LSU's injury reporting process, with some suggesting potential gamesmanship by coach Lane Kiffin.
Background
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is listed as doubtful for the upcoming game against Ole Miss, raising concerns about his availability.
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is listed as 'doubtful' for the upcoming game against Ole Miss, creating uncertainty for both teams as they prepare for the SEC showdown.
What's confirmed
- The junior transfer has started LSU’s first two games under coach Lane Kiffin.
What's still developing
- LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt apparently has made a quick recovery throughout the week.
- Leavitt was removed from the Tigers' SEC availability report on Friday night, meaning he is good to go against No.
- "On a national scale, during the 2025-26 College Football Playoff, one of six (17%) starter-level players listed as 'Doubtful' on the Initial Report played in the game." Regardless of whether Leavitt's status for Saturday night was ever really in doubt, he will be on the field for LSU this weekend.
- After an impeccable debut in Week 1 against Clemson, Leavitt came back down to Earth a bit last week with three interceptions against Louisiana Tech.
- Watch Live: Inspire The City Invitational doubleheader (starting Saturday at 3 p.m.) LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is no longer listed on the Tigers’ injury report and is expected to be available for Saturday night’s showdown against No.
- Kiffin and the Tigers could be in hot water with the league if they were found to be fibbing about Leavitt's health.
- It is at the discretion of SEC commissioner Greg Sankey whether to impose a penalty.
- The update comes after a rapidly changing week for Leavitt.
- Leavitt was the biggest surprise on LSU’s initial SEC availability report released Wednesday night.