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Sam Leavitt is expected to start for LSU against Ole Miss after a tense week surrounding the quarterback’s health and availability. Leavitt was not listed on the SEC availability report Friday night, strongly indicating that he will participate in Saturday’s important conference matchup.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin confirmed the encouraging update during ESPN’s “College GameDay,” saying Leavitt had recovered well from what he described as an early-week scare during practice.
Breaking Sam Leavitt Update Clears LSU Quarterback
“Sam’s doing great,” Kiffin said. “Early in the week, had a scare in practice but had a great recovery, worked really hard and he’s ready to go.”
The latest development ended nearly 48 hours of uncertainty around LSU’s leading offensive player. Leavitt’s name first appeared on the SEC availability report Wednesday night, surprising many observers because he had completed LSU’s previous game against Louisiana Tech without any obvious sign of discomfort.
His status later shifted to questionable Thursday evening before he was removed from the report Friday. A source also told ESPN’s Heather Dinich that Leavitt would be available to start, adding confidence to the expectation that LSU will have its preferred quarterback on the field.
Why the Quarterback’s Status Created Concern
The uncertainty attracted significant attention because neither Leavitt nor Kiffin had publicly discussed a clear injury immediately after the Louisiana Tech game. Sources within the Ole Miss program also told ESPN that they were not convinced Leavitt’s initial appearance on the availability report was entirely straightforward.
The SEC has strict rules governing player availability reports. The conference prohibits gamesmanship intended to conceal a student-athlete’s true participation status for competitive or strategic reasons. Schools are also expected to provide accurate and timely information about high-profile players, particularly starting quarterbacks.
Penalties for inaccurate or late reporting can range from $25,000 to $100,000 for football programs. The consequences may also include accountability measures for head coaches, with SEC commissioner Greg Sankey holding authority to determine any discipline.
Leavitt’s Strong Start Raises LSU Expectations
Leavitt’s return is especially important because he has quickly become one of the most influential players on LSU’s roster. The transfer quarterback has accounted for seven touchdowns through two games, including two passing scores and five rushing touchdowns.
Before joining LSU during the offseason, Leavitt was a two-year starter at Arizona State. He earned Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors and was named a second-team All-Big 12 selection. His mobility and playmaking ability have added another dimension to LSU’s offense.
- Seven total touchdowns in two games
- Five rushing touchdowns and two passing touchdowns
- Former two-year starter at Arizona State
- Big 12 Freshman of the Year
- Second-team All-Big 12 selection
With Leavitt expected to play, LSU can prepare its game plan around the quarterback who has led the offense throughout the opening weeks of the season. His ability to extend plays with his legs could be particularly valuable against an Ole Miss defense prepared for a high-profile SEC contest.
TJ Dottery Remains Questionable for LSU
While the news surrounding Leavitt is positive, LSU still has an important concern on defense. Linebacker TJ Dottery remains questionable for the game against Ole Miss and has carried that designation throughout the week.
Dottery is LSU’s leading tackler, making his availability another key factor before kickoff. If he cannot play, the Tigers may need to adjust their defensive assignments and rely on younger players or reserve linebackers in a challenging matchup.
The combination of Leavitt’s expected return and Dottery’s uncertain status gives Saturday’s game an added layer of drama. LSU appears positioned to have its starting quarterback, but the defense could still enter the contest without one of its most productive players.
What Sam Leavitt’s Return Means for LSU
Leavitt’s expected start provides LSU with stability at the most important position on the field. It also prevents a late quarterback change from disrupting the Tigers’ preparation for Ole Miss.
For Kiffin, the situation now shifts from injury uncertainty to performance. Leavitt will be expected to manage the pressure of a major SEC matchup while continuing the explosive production he showed in LSU’s first two games.
As reported by ESPN, Leavitt is “ready to go” after his practice scare. His presence should be closely watched when LSU and Ole Miss meet Saturday, while the SEC may also review the sequence of availability-report updates for compliance with conference policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sam Leavitt expected to play against Ole Miss?
Yes. Sam Leavitt was removed from the SEC availability report Friday night, and Lane Kiffin said the LSU quarterback is ready to play.
What happened to Sam Leavitt?
Leavitt experienced what Kiffin called a scare during practice earlier in the week. The coach said Leavitt made a great recovery and worked hard to return.
How many touchdowns has Leavitt scored this season?
Leavitt has scored seven touchdowns through two games, with two passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns.
Is TJ Dottery playing for LSU?
TJ Dottery remains questionable. The LSU linebacker and leading tackler has been listed as questionable throughout the week.
