The buildup to LSU-Ole Miss has already been loud, and Wednesday night added another twist: LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt was listed as doubtful in the SEC’s initial availability report.
That status landed like a jolt because there was no obvious sign Leavitt had been hurt in the Louisiana Tech game. The timing also raises questions about whether something lingered from the Clemson game, where he threw three interceptions.
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
Now the focus shifts to what it means for Saturday and whether this is a real setback or a little Lane Kiffin mind games. Kiffin has never been shy about using every edge available, and listing Leavitt as doubtful would force Ole Miss to prepare for both Landen Clark and Husan Longstreet.
That kind of uncertainty only adds to a week that has already been packed with noise in Oxford. The discussion around police and security presence has been swirling, and Tuesday brought another headline when Ole Miss served former Rebel Princewill Umanmielen with a lawsuit over unpaid buyout fees.
If Leavitt can’t go, the hit to LSU is enormous. Landen Clark would be making a major jump in competition after beginning his career at Elon, while Husan Longstreet would be in line for his first career start after backing up at USC last season.
The game already had plenty of layers, with Lane Kiffin returning to Oxford in his first SEC game as LSU’s head coach and facing former assistant Pete Golding. On top of that, Golding is now coaching Trinidad Chambliss, while Kiffin could be dealing with a backup quarterback in one of the toughest road environments around.
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