LSU Quarterback Sam Leavitt Listed Doubtful Ahead of Ole Miss Showdown
Overview
LSU’s starting quarterback Sam Leavitt has been listed as doubtful for the Tigers’ upcoming Southeastern Conference clash at Ole Miss due to an upper‑body injury. The designation appeared on LSU’s first injury report released early in the week, and Leavitt did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. The Tigers are seeking to build on a narrow win over Louisiana Tech, where Leavitt overcame a rough first half to throw for 366 yards and four total touchdowns.
Injury Details and Recent Performance
Leavitt’s issue is described as an upper‑body injury, though LSU head coach Lane Kiffin did not mention the ailment during his weekly media availability. Despite the injury concern, Leavitt showed resilience in the Louisiana Tech game, rebounding from a three‑interception first half to finish with 574 passing yards, two touchdowns, and four interceptions across LSU’s first two games of the 2025 season. He also added 135 rushing yards and five scores on the ground.
Kiffin emphasized the need for better ball security, saying, “Sam’s gotta do a better job taking care of the ball… the red zone is where you gotta finish drives.”
LSU’s Backup Quarterback Situation
With Leavitt’s status uncertain, the Tigers look to their depth chart. Transfer quarterback Landen Clark from Elon, the 2025 CAA Co‑Offensive Rookie of the Year, is listed as No. 3 but has been the first off the bench in both games this season. Clark threw 18 touchdown passes and rushed for 11 more during his lone season at Elon.
Also in the mix is Husan Longstreet, a five‑star USC transfer who completed 13 of 15 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown as a freshman with the Trojans. Longstreet was ranked the No. 32 overall player and No. 4 quarterback in the 2025 class by 247Sports.
SEC Availability Report Rules and Potential Fines
The SEC’s availability reporting system, now in its third season, requires schools to submit an initial report by 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday of game week, with daily updates leading up to a final report due 90 minutes before kickoff. Player statuses are categorized as:
| Status | Definition | Chance to Play |
|---|---|---|
| Available | The player is fully available for the game. | 100% |
| Probable | Likely to play, barring any setbacks. | 75% |
| Questionable | Uncertain to play due to injury or condition. | 50% |
| Doubtful | Unlikely to play due to significant concerns. | 25% |
| Out | Player will not participate in the upcoming game. | 0% |
| Game‑time decision | Final decision will be made near kickoff. | — |
Failure to comply—whether through late, inaccurate, or missing reports—can result in fines ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 per incident for the institution. LSU’s next injury report is due Thursday night at 8:10 p.m. ET.
What Happens Next?
Should Leavitt be unable to start, Landen Clark would likely see his first significant action as a Tiger, with Husan Longstreet providing additional depth. The Tigers will continue to monitor Leavitt’s condition through the week, updating the SEC availability report each day. The outcome of Thursday’s report will clarify whether LSU must rely on its backup quartet or if Leavitt can suit up for the rivalry showdown in Oxford.
Conclusion
Sam Leavitt’s upper‑body injury has placed LSU’s quarterback situation in flux just days before a critical SEC encounter. While the Tigers have capable alternatives in Landen Clark and Husan Longstreet, the loss of their starter would test the team’s depth and adaptability. As the SEC’s reporting deadlines approach, all eyes will be on LSU’s injury updates to determine who will lead the offense against Ole Miss.
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