LSU QB Sam Leavitt Listed as Doubtful for Ole Miss Showdown: What It Means
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Cited: ESPN, Yahoo Sports, Fox News
TL;DR
In a surprising turn of events, LSU listed starting quarterback Sam Leavitt as doubtful for Saturday's top-10 showdown at Ole Miss. The doubt designation—meaning only a 25% chance of playing—has ignited speculation about the severity of his injury and whether head coach Lane Kiffin might be engaging in midweek gamesmanship ahead of his emotional return to Oxford. With Leavitt’s status in question, all eyes now turn to LSU’s backup options: former five-star USC transfer Husan Longstreet and Elon transfer Landen Clark.
Why now
In a surprising turn of events, LSU listed starting quarterback Sam Leavitt as doubtful for Saturday's top-10 showdown at Ole Miss. The doubt designation—meaning only a 25% chance of playing—has ignited speculation about the severity of his injury and whether head coach Lane Kiffin might be engaging in midweek gamesmanship ahead of his emotional return to Oxford. With Leavitt’s status in question, all eyes now turn to LSU’s backup options: former five-star USC transfer Husan Longstreet and Elon transfer Landen Clark.
Agree / conflict
Sam Leavitt doubtful: LSU’s QB was listed as doubtful on the SEC’s initial availability report Wednesday night, with an upper-body injury (reported as a sore throwing shoulder). He did not throw in practice Wednesday. Unexpected timing: Leavitt finished last week’s 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech and spoke to reporters without visible pain.
Takeaway
Stay tuned for updates: Monitor the SEC availability reports Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 90 minutes before kickoff for Leavitt’s final status. Impact on betting: If you wager on the game, be aware that the line could shift further based on the starter announcement. Know the backups: Longstreet and Clark are both capable but inexperienced.
The sudden doubtful listing for Sam Leavitt has created an air of uncertainty around one of the most anticipated games of the college football season—Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss. Leavitt, the top transfer QB of the offseason (from Arizona State), was expected to lead LSU’s high-powered offense against his former team. However, after a shaky performance against Louisiana Tech (3 interceptions), the injury could be real, or it could be a strategic move to force Ole Miss to prepare for multiple quarterbacks.
’ But the league also acknowledges that schools should take extra precautions for high-profile athletes, and penalties are at the commissioner’s discretion. The fact that Leavitt was not seen at Tuesday’s media availability (an LSU spokesman said he had left the building) adds to the mystery.
If Leavitt cannot go, LSU will turn to either Husan Longstreet or Landen Clark. Longstreet was a five-star recruit with a strong arm and a prior relationship with Kiffin (he almost chose Ole Miss). Clark, the Elon transfer, has more game experience at the FBS level this season.
FAQ
What does 'doubtful' mean in the SEC availability report?
The SEC defines doubtful as 'unlikely to play due to significant concerns,' with a 25% chance of playing.
What is Sam Leavitt's injury?
The exact injury is unclear, but multiple reports indicate an upper-body issue, specifically a sore throwing shoulder. He was limited in Wednesday's practice and did not throw.
Who are LSU's backup quarterbacks?
Husan Longstreet (redshirt freshman, transferred from USC) and Landen Clark (redshirt sophomore, transferred from Elon). Clark has been the first QB off the bench this season, while Longstreet has attempted only one pass.
Could Lane Kiffin be using gamesmanship?
It's possible, but the SEC prohibits misleading status reports and can levy fines between $25,000 and $100,000. Commissioner Greg Sankey has discretion to impose penalties.
How has the betting line reacted?
The line moved from LSU -3 to as low as -1 after the report, before settling back to LSU -2.5 as of Thursday morning.
When will Leavitt's final status be known?
LSU must update the report Thursday and Friday, with a final report due 90 minutes before kickoff on Saturday (7:30 p.m. ET on ABC).
Sources
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