LSU's Sam Leavitt Listed as Doubtful for Key Game Against Ole Miss

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One of the most highly anticipated matchups in the 2026 college football season is taking place on Saturday, as head coach Lane Kiffin and the No. 7 LSU Tigers are heading to Kiffin’s former school to take on the No. 8 Ole Miss Rebels. Star LSU transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt has been one of the focal points of Kiffin’s offense throughout the start of the season and promised to have a big game on Saturday.
Leavitt spent his first collegiate season with the Michigan State Spartans before playing for the Arizona State Sun Devils the past two years. Since transferring to LSU before the start of the 2026 season, Leavitt has had his ups and downs.
Through two games, Leavitt has completed 62.1% of his passes for 574 yards and two touchdowns with four interceptions, which leads all FBS schools. He has also been a threat on the ground, rushing for 135 yards and five more scores, the most in the SEC.
With the biggest game of the week coming up, LSU announced its injury report for Saturday, and the biggest surprise was that Leavitt was listed as doubtful.
“A shocker on the SEC injury report, with LSU starting quarterback Sam Leavitt listed as doubtful,” said ESPN reporter Pete Thamel.
A shocker on the SEC injury report, with LSU starting quarterback Sam Leavitt listed as doubtful. pic.twitter.com/jb7PMrblqR
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 17, 2026
If Leavitt were to miss Saturday’s matchup against the Rebels, it would be a big letdown for the Tigers.
LSU’s backup quarterback is currently redshirt freshman transfer Husan Longstreet. In his career between the USC Trojans and LSU, Longstreet has played in five games, throwing for 136 yards and one touchdown, while also rushing for 79 yards and two scores.
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While this is not the final injury report, which will come out closer to kickoff, Leavitt being listed as doubtful is a gut punch to LSU fans.
Saturday’s long awaited matchup between the Tigers and Rebels is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium and will be televised on ABC.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 17, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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