Where LSU football QB Sam Leavitt ranks in ESPN's QBR after Week 3 loss

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LSU football couldn't recover after a slow start against Ole Miss and suffered a 32-24 loss, the first of the 2026 season and Lane Kiffin's tenure. The Tigers found themselves in a 17-0 hole early as their offense was stagnant.

Quarterback Sam Leavitt and the unit appeared unsettled in front of a hostile crowd. Once they settled in, they moved the ball efficiently with shorter passes and a commitment to the run game. LSU outscored Ole Miss 14-0 in the third quarter and could've won the game at the goal line on fourth down with under a minute to play.

Leavitt's slow start affected his quarterback rating (QBR) from ESPN. He ranks No. 33 nationally with a 75.1 rating. Only three SEC quarterbacks are below him. Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss is No. 17 nationally with an 81.4 rating.

Instead of standing strong in the pocket and looking for receivers, Leavitt elected to use his legs more often in the first half. Ole Miss created pressure often, totaling eight tackles for loss and two sacks. Leavitt completed 16 of 27 pass attempts for 158 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 63 yards and a score. With the game on the line in a fourth and six, Leavitt's pass was tipped and intercepted in the end zone.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Where LSU football QB Sam Leavitt ranks in ESPN's QBR after Week 3 loss

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