LSU's Leavitt off availability report, should play vs. Rebels

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  Alex ScarboroughSep 18, 2026, 08:44 PM ET

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

A unique 48 hours of tracking the health and availability of LSU star quarterback Sam Leavitt ended on Friday night as he was not listed on the SEC availability report for Saturday's game at Ole Miss, indicating that he is expected to participate.

Leavitt's appearance on the report on Wednesday night raised eyebrows throughout the SEC as it was unclear when or how he was injured. He finished last Saturday's game against Louisiana Tech without appearing to be in pain, and in multiple public comments coach Lane Kiffin never made mention of an injury.

Sources on the Ole Miss staff told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Thursday morning that they weren't convinced Leavitt's appearance on the availability report was sincere.

By Thursday evening, Leavitt status on the availability report changed to questionable.

LSU linebacker and leading tackler TJ Dottery remains questionable for the game vs. Ole Miss. He's been listed as such on the availability report all week.

The SEC's reporting policy states that 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.

Leavitt, widely regarded as the top transfer quarterback this past offseason, has scored seven touchdowns in two games (two passing, five rushing).

He was a two-year starter, Big 12 Freshman of the Year and second-team All-Big 12 selection at Arizona State before joining Kiffin and the Tigers this offseason.