LSU’s first Southeastern Conference injury report of the season landed with a jolt Wednesday night, listing starting quarterback Sam Leavitt as doubtful for Saturday’s trip to Ole Miss.
The designation immediately raised questions about how the Tigers will handle their league opener in Oxford. LSU and Ole Miss both sit at 2-0, and the game already carried extra weight because it marks Lane Kiffin’s return to Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
Leavitt, a junior transfer from Arizona State, has started both of LSU’s wins. He has completed 41 of 66 passes for 574 yards with two touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also been a factor on the ground, adding 135 rushing yards and five scores.
The report, posted at 7:10 p.m. Central time, did not specify the nature of Leavitt’s issue. Conference rules require availability information only for league games, so this was the first official look at LSU’s health after two nonconference victories.
Three other Tigers were ruled out: wide receiver Phillip Wright III, linebacker Jaiden Braker and running back Raycine Guillory Jr. Linebackers TJ Dottery and Tylen Singleton were listed as questionable.
Tight end Trey’Dez Green, linebackers Whit Weeks and Davhon Keys, and offensive lineman Aliou Bah were all listed as probable. Those designations suggest LSU could have most of its supporting cast available even if Leavitt cannot go.
Ole Miss reported its own absences. Cornerback Victor Lincoln Jr. and offensive lineman Emanuel Faulkner were out. Running back Makhi Frazier and offensive lineman Tommy Kinsler IV were questionable. Linebacker Keaton Thomas and cornerback Cedrick Beavers were probable.
If Leavitt cannot play, LSU would turn to its backup quarterbacks. Landen Clark, a transfer from Elon, has already seen action this season. Husan Longstreet, a former five-star recruit who arrived from USC, also has taken snaps in the early weeks.
The timing is awkward for LSU. The Tigers opened with a 51-10 win over Clemson and followed it with a 45-14 victory against Louisiana Tech. Leavitt’s dual-threat ability has been central to the new offense Kiffin brought from Oxford.
Leavitt missed the second half of last season at Arizona State after a foot injury that required surgery. He later had a follow-up procedure and was limited in the spring. By summer he had been cleared, and he declared himself fully healthy before the season began.
That background makes the sudden doubtful listing notable. College football injury reports sometimes invite skepticism, especially in a high-profile rivalry game with television cameras already pointed at Oxford.
College GameDay is scheduled to be on site Saturday. The game is set for 7:30 p.m. EST on ABC, giving a national audience a first look at two teams expected to contend in the SEC West race.
Kiffin spent six seasons at Ole Miss before taking the LSU job. His first return as an opposing coach was already going to be loud. An uncertain quarterback situation only adds another layer.
LSU’s offense has leaned on tempo and quarterback mobility. Losing Leavitt, even for one week, would force adjustments in play-calling and protection. The Tigers have depth at the position, but none of the backups have Leavitt’s combination of experience and production this fall.
Ole Miss, meanwhile, has looked sharp through two games and will try to exploit any disruption at quarterback. A home crowd that once cheered Kiffin will now be hoping the Rebels can knock off his new team.
The report leaves room for movement. Doubtful does not mean out. LSU could still activate Leavitt if he progresses in the next two days. Teams often wait until Friday or Saturday morning before making a final call.
For now, the listing stands as the biggest surprise on the first SEC availability sheet of the year. LSU will spend the rest of the week preparing as if its starting quarterback may not be available when the Tigers walk into Oxford.
