Sam Leavitt was listed as doubtful on LSU’s first injury report ahead of Saturday’s SEC opener at Ole Miss, raising immediate questions about the Tigers’ game plan for a marquee road matchup.
The designation follows a limited practice window where Leavitt did not throw on Wednesday, and the initial report was detailed by CBS Sports, which cited Matt Zenitz. LSU must post nightly updates with a final availability report due 90 minutes before kickoff, and the program’s next report is due Thursday at 8:10 p.m. ET.
Key Takeaways
- Sam Leavitt is listed as doubtful on LSU’s first injury report ahead of the Ole Miss game, which clouds the Tigers’ starting quarterback plans for the SEC opener.
- Leavitt did not throw in Wednesday’s practice and was listed with an upper-body injury, per reporting on the initial availability list.
- Landen Clark, while listed No. 3 on the depth chart, has been first off the bench this season and is the most likely in-game replacement if Leavitt cannot play.
- LSU must file a final injury report 90 minutes before kickoff and the SEC can fine schools $25,000 to $100,000 for inaccurate or late reporting.
Sam Leavitt injury timeline and practice cues
The injury tag is notable because Leavitt did not show obvious signs of injury in last week’s win over Louisiana Tech, where he rebounded after a turnover-filled first half to finish with significant total offense.
Wednesday’s practice notes and the availability listing are the first official indicators this week that Leavitt’s status could be compromised, with the team specifically noting he did not throw in that session.
Leavitt’s durability has been an issue in previous stops; he missed seven games during his two seasons at Arizona State, a fact the staff and public records have referenced when managing his workload.
Who would take snaps if Sam Leavitt cannot go
Landen Clark has been the primary on-field replacement in both games this season despite being listed No. 3 on LSU’s depth chart, a usage-versus-listing discrepancy the coaching staff has shown willingness to accept so far.
Clark arrives from Elon where he produced a two-way scoring profile, throwing 18 touchdown passes and rushing for 11 scores last season, which explains why he has been the first change in live game situations.
USC transfer Husan Longstreet is also on the roster and offers efficiency in limited college action; he completed 13 of 15 passes for 103 yards and a touchdown as a freshman at USC, giving LSU a third-option profile with a pedigree from the recruiting cycle.
Leavitt’s recent performance and roster signals
Through LSU’s first two games, Leavitt has thrown for 574 yards with two passing touchdowns and four interceptions, and he has added 135 rushing yards and five rushing scores, a mixed statistical profile that factors into staff decisions when availability is uncertain.
Lane Kiffin declined to discuss an injury to his starter during this week’s media availability, though he did critique ball security after the Louisiana Tech game, underscoring a performance-related lens coaches apply alongside health updates.
The coaching staff’s past usage patterns — preferring Clark in relief despite his official listing — suggest the Tigers already have an operational contingency if Leavitt is held out on game day.
LSU quarterback depth and availability comparison table
| Quarterback | Availability listing | Recent game usage or verified production |
|---|---|---|
| Sam Leavitt | Doubtful on first injury report; did not throw in Wednesday practice | Started season as LSU’s starter and recovered in the Louisiana Tech win to produce significant total offense |
| Landen Clark | Listed No. 3 on depth chart but has been first off the bench in both games | Transfer from Elon who threw 18 TDs and rushed for 11 scores last season |
| Husan Longstreet | On roster as a backup option | USC freshman season included a 13-for-15, 103-yard outing with a touchdown |
SEC opener and CFP implications for LSU with Leavitt doubtful
An unexpected starting quarterback absence for an SEC opener against Ole Miss alters both immediate game planning and short-term national perception, since early conference results shape College Football Playoff narratives and midseason recruiting messaging.
A swing away from the projected starter could tighten play-calling and put pressure on LSU’s run game and defense to manage field position, which in turn affects how voters and the committee view the program after a marquee loss or narrow win.
From a roster and recruiting optics perspective, handling the situation cleanly — accurate nightly availability reports, transparent updates, and a clear on-field plan — matters to recruits and roster stability during a high-profile week.
Matt Zenitz’s reporting provided the practice notes and availability context cited above, and LSU’s next injury report is due Thursday night at 8:10 p.m. ET as the program moves toward a final decision 90 minutes before kickoff.
