LSU football: Major Sam Leavitt injury concern ahead of Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss return
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The LSU Tigers are in a world of trouble before Lane Kiffin’s big return to face the Ole Miss Rebels, and quarterback Sam Leavitt’s availability is severely in question.
No. 7 LSU heads into its third game of the college football season humming on offense. However, that success could be tested in Week 3 when Kiffin and Co. travel to Oxford, Miss. to meet No. 8 Ole Miss.
The latest SEC availability report reveals Leavitt is doubtful to play on Saturday night. The LSU-Ole Miss clash is undoubtedly the top game of the weekend, but the Tigers have to prepare as if Leavitt won’t play.
Leavitt is one of 10 players listed on LSU’s injury report, including linebacker Whit Weeks.
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LSU entering toughest test of young season
Leavitt’s most recent outing against Louisiana Tech included some tough moments for the Arizona State transfer. The former Sun Devils star tossed three interceptions during LSU’s 45-14 win.
The SEC giants are close to facing their biggest test yet in the early portion of the 2026 college football season. Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss are riding in comfortably after beating ranked Louisville and Charlotte in their first two matchups.
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Who will start if Leavitt can’t play?
LSU must shift its focus on offense in the event Leavitt is unavailable on Saturday night. Redshirt freshman Husan Longstreet is next in line to start for Kiffin and the Tigers.
Kiffin could also turn to transfer quarterback Landen Clark, who joined the program from Elon.
Clark has appeared in both games this season for the Tigers during dominant victories over Clemson and Louisiana Tech. The second-year signal caller threw for 72 yards and a touchdown during LSU’s win over Clemson in Week 1.
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Kiffin and the Tigers begin a critical portion of their SEC schedule as they face ranked opponents in five of their final 10 regular-season games. Meanwhile, the Tigers need to stack up wins in order to make their case for the College Football Playoff.
LSU visits Ole Miss at 7:30 p.m. ET Saturday on ABC.
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