Sam Leavitt Injury: LSU Injury Update and Doubtful Status

Sam Leavitt is dealing with an injury concern ahead of LSU’s highly anticipated matchup against Ole Miss. The Tigers’ starting quarterback was listed as doubtful on LSU’s initial SEC availability report, creating uncertainty around whether he will be available for the Week 3 game.
Leavitt transferred to LSU from Arizona State and entered the 2026 season as the Tigers’ starting quarterback. However, his latest injury status has quickly become one of the biggest storylines surrounding LSU.
Sam Leavitt Injury Update
The latest injury update lists Sam Leavitt as doubtful for LSU’s game against Ole Miss on Saturday, September 19.
According to reports, Leavitt is dealing with a sore throwing shoulder and has been limited during practice. He also did not throw during Wednesday’s practice, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his availability.
The exact circumstances surrounding the injury have not been fully disclosed by LSU. Leavitt did not appear to suffer an obvious injury during the Tigers’ Week 2 victory over Louisiana Tech.
That makes the injury situation particularly important as LSU prepares for a major SEC matchup.
What Is Sam Leavitt’s Injury?
Reports indicate that Sam Leavitt is dealing with a sore throwing shoulder. However, LSU’s official availability report initially described his condition more generally as an upper-body injury.
The school has not publicly provided extensive details about the injury. On3 reported that Leavitt has been monitored closely and limited in practice this week.
Because Leavitt is a quarterback, the status of his throwing shoulder is especially significant. Even if he is physically able to play, LSU will need to determine whether he can throw effectively and safely.
Is Sam Leavitt Doubtful?
Yes. Sam Leavitt is currently listed as doubtful on LSU’s SEC availability report for the Ole Miss game.
Under the SEC availability system, a doubtful designation indicates that a player is unlikely to participate. CBS Sports reported that the designation represents roughly a 25% chance of playing before the final game-day determination.
Importantly, doubtful does not mean Leavitt has officially been ruled out.
LSU can continue updating his status throughout the week. The final determination will come closer to kickoff.
Will Sam Leavitt Play Against Ole Miss?
As of the latest update, it is unclear whether Sam Leavitt will play against Ole Miss.
His doubtful designation and limited practice participation suggest that LSU is concerned about his availability. He also did not throw during Wednesday’s practice, which is particularly relevant given that the reported issue involves his throwing shoulder.
LSU is scheduled to face Ole Miss at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 19, in Oxford.
The Tigers are expected to provide additional availability reports before kickoff.
Sam Leavitt’s LSU Stats in 2026
Leavitt has started LSU’s first two games of the 2026 season.
Through those games, he has completed 41 of 66 passes for 574 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also contributed 135 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.
His performance has made him an important part of LSU’s offense, particularly because of his ability to create plays with his legs.
Against Clemson in Week 1, Leavitt threw for 230 yards and one touchdown while adding 113 rushing yards and two rushing scores.
He followed that with 344 passing yards, one touchdown and three interceptions against Louisiana Tech, while also rushing for three touchdowns.
Did Sam Leavitt Have an Earlier Injury?
Yes. Leavitt entered LSU after dealing with a significant right foot injury at Arizona State in 2025.
He suffered a Lisfranc injury that ended his season and required surgery. He later underwent a follow-up procedure in April 2026 to have pins removed from his foot.
However, that previous foot injury is separate from the current shoulder concern.
Before LSU’s 2026 season began, Leavitt said he was fully recovered from the foot injury and had returned to full football activities. CBS Sports reported in August that he considered himself 100% healthy heading into the season.
Who Is LSU’s Backup Quarterback?
If Leavitt cannot play, LSU has Landen Clark and Husan Longstreet available at quarterback.
Clark has already seen action behind Leavitt this season. Through LSU’s first two games, he has completed 7 of 10 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown while adding 42 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.
Longstreet transferred to LSU from USC and is also part of the Tigers’ quarterback group.
The quarterback situation will therefore be closely watched as LSU approaches Saturday’s game.
What Happened to Sam Leavitt?
There was no obvious injury during LSU’s Week 2 win over Louisiana Tech that immediately explained his current status.
Leavitt played the entire game and produced 366 total yards and four total touchdowns despite throwing three interceptions. Reports later revealed that he was dealing with a sore throwing shoulder and had been limited during LSU’s preparation for Ole Miss.
LSU has not publicly provided a detailed explanation of exactly when the injury occurred.
Sam Leavitt Injury Status
The current situation can be summarized as follows:
| Detail | Status |
|---|---|
| Player | Sam Leavitt |
| Team | LSU Tigers |
| Position | Quarterback |
| Current injury | Sore throwing shoulder / upper-body injury |
| Status | Doubtful |
| Practice | Limited |
| Wednesday practice | Did not throw |
| Previous major injury | Right foot Lisfranc injury |
| Next game | LSU vs. Ole Miss |
| Game date | September 19, 2026 |
LSU’s subsequent availability reports will provide more information before Saturday’s kickoff.
Final Sam Leavitt Injury Update
Sam Leavitt is currently doubtful for LSU’s game against Ole Miss because of a throwing-shoulder issue. He has been limited in practice and did not throw during Wednesday’s session.
Although he has not been officially ruled out, his current designation means LSU is preparing for the possibility that its starting quarterback could miss the game.
The situation remains subject to change, with additional injury reports expected before kickoff.
FAQs
Is Sam Leavitt injured?
Yes. Leavitt is dealing with a reported sore throwing shoulder and has been limited in practice.
Is Sam Leavitt doubtful?
Yes. LSU listed Leavitt as doubtful on its initial SEC availability report for the Ole Miss game.
What injury does Sam Leavitt have?
Reports indicate that Leavitt has a sore throwing shoulder. LSU’s initial report described the issue more generally as an upper-body injury.
Will Sam Leavitt play against Ole Miss?
His availability is uncertain. He is currently doubtful, but he has not officially been ruled out.
Did Sam Leavitt have a previous injury?
Yes. He suffered a Lisfranc injury to his right foot at Arizona State in 2025 and underwent surgery. He entered the 2026 season after recovering from that injury.
Who replaces Sam Leavitt if he cannot play?
Landen Clark and Husan Longstreet are LSU’s backup quarterbacks. Clark has already played behind Leavitt this season.
Leave a Reply