Ole Miss Staff Reportedly Doubts Lane Kiffin's LSU Is 'Sincere' with Sam Leavitt's Injury Report

Ole Miss is planning as if LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt will be on the field Saturday in Oxford, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.

The Tigers listed Leavitt as doubtful on their early injury report Wednesday. Their opponents aren't buying it.

"No one on the Ole Miss staff is convinced LSU QB Sam Leavitt's appearance as 'doubtful' on the injury report is sincere and he'll miss the game on Saturday, per sources," Thamel reported.

Leavitt started LSU's first two games, throwing for 574 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. In the season-opening win over Clemson, he ran for 113 yards and two scores on 12 carries.

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ESPN's Alex Scarborough called Leavitt's injury designation "a surprising turn of events" because the junior didn't appear to be hurt during the Louisiana Tech victory or in his postgame press availability.

Scarborough added that the SEC prohibits coaches from using the injury report for the purpose of gaining a competitive edge. A player who's doubtful is "unlikely to play due to significant concerns."

A school that violates the rule can be subject to a fine of up to $100,000.

Based on Thamel's newest report, LSU coach Lane Kiffin may draw some close scrutiny from conference officials after giving the impression Leavitt is carrying an injury serious enough to potentially sideline him Saturday.

From Ole Miss' perspective, there will be a big difference between a Leavitt-led offense and one with Landen Clark or Husan Longstreet under center.

Longstreet was a 5-star recruit coming out of high school in 2025 but has thrown 16 total passes at the college level. Clark has starting experience, albeit in the FCS. He threw for 2,321 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions with Elon in 2025.

Planning to face Leavitt and having him ruled out — if it comes to that — will be less disruptive to the Rebels' game-planning than assuming he'll be inactive and having to pivot at the last minute.