LSU QB Leavitt unexpectedly listed as doubtful for Ole Miss rivalry game

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  Alex ScarboroughSep 16, 2026, 09:27 PM ET

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  • Covers the SEC.
  • Joined ESPN in 2012.
  • Graduate of Auburn University.

In a surprising turn of events, LSU on Wednesday night listed starting quarterback Sam Leavitt as doubtful for Saturday's much-anticipated rivalry game at Ole Miss.

The exact nature of Leavitt's injury is unclear. He completed last week's win over Louisiana Tech and spoke to the media afterward without appearing to be in pain. LSU coach Lane Kiffin did not mention that Leavitt was dealing with any injuries during a Monday news conference.

Considering the intensity of the rivalry, there is a chance the surprise "doubtful" listing could involve some mid-week gamesmanship.

The SEC's availability report policy defines a doubtful designation as "unlikely to play due to significant concerns" and describes it as a player having a "25% chance to play."

The conference's reporting policy states acts of gamesmanship "intended to hide a student-athlete's true participation status for competitive or strategic reasons" are prohibited, as is conduct that could reasonably be construed as "misleading."

The SEC also says schools should take extra precautions to act in good faith when disclosing the status of high-profile athletes, such as starting quarterbacks.

Penalties for inaccurate or late reports range from $25,000 to $100,000 for football and can include "accountability measures" for head coaches. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has discretion to administer penalties as appropriate based on the circumstances.

Linebacker TJ Dottery, who leads the team in tackles, also was listed as questionable.

Leavitt, widely regarded as the top transfer quarterback this past offseason, was a two-year starter and former Big 12 Freshman of the Year at Arizona State before joining the team following Kiffin's hiring.

Leavitt had a strong debut in which he accounted for three touchdowns (one passing, two rushing) and no turnovers in a blowout win over Clemson.

But Leavitt struggled to take care of the football during against Louisiana Tech. LSU won 45-14, but Leavitt threw three interceptions. He was 25-of-38 passing for 344 yards and one touchdown, and rushed for three scores.

Husan Longstreet, a freshman, and Landen Clark, a sophomore, are Leavitt's primary backups.

Clark has appeared in two games and completed 7 of 10 passes for 109 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.

Longstreet has one pass attempt and one completion of 33 yards.

ESPN's Pete Thamel and Max Olson contributed to this report.