LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is doubtful to play when the Tigers visit Ole Miss on Saturday. Leavitt reportedly is dealing with a sore throwing shoulder and was listed on the initial SEC availability report last night. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he showed no signs of injury against LA Tech last week.
“Shocking news for LSU fans and people in Louisiana; for this to happen when it’s been such a crazy season already. And now this,” Guilbeau said.
The doubtful designation estimates Leavitt has a 25% chance of playing. Many fans have speculated whether this could be a tactic from coach Lane Kiffin ahead of an important rivalry game, and Guilbeau says Kiffin does have a history of gamesmanship.
“Famously, in 2024, he (Kiffin) put 26 guys on the availability report for the Georgia game; so he could be playing games with Ole Miss by doing this with Sam Leavitt,” Guilbeau explained.
Schools are subject to a $25,000 fine from the SEC for its first offense of providing misleading information on the report.
Guilbeau says shoulder injuries can be tricky, and in the worst case for LSU could hinder Leavitt all season. Even if Leavitt does play, the injury could hinder his ability. Guilbeau says LSU will have to rely on its defense to stop Ole Miss and keep the score low.
“Ole Miss already has a better quarterback in Trinidad Chambliss, even if Sam’s healthy. And nowadays, often the best quarterback wins; more so than in the past. So the advantage for Ole Miss would be even greater,” Guilbeau noted.