Ole Miss' coaching staff is skeptical of LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt's status, questioning its sincerity after the Tigers listed the signal-caller as doubtful on Wednesday's SEC injury report, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Ole Miss also isn't convinced that Leavitt won't play Saturday when LSU travels to Oxford, Thamel adds.
Under the SEC's availability report policy, a player listed as doubtful is considered "unlikely to play," with a "25% chance" of being available.
The SEC prohibits acts of gamesmanship "intended to hide a student-athlete's true participation status for competitive or strategic reasons." Conference commissioner Greg Sankey can fine programs up to $100,000 for inaccurate or late injury report submissions.
Leavitt is dealing with soreness in his throwing shoulder and has been limited at practice throughout the week, sources told On3's Pete Nakos. He played into the fourth quarter of LSU's 45-14 victory over Louisiana Tech last Saturday before leaving the game when the Tigers led by 24 with under nine minutes remaining.
The 21-year-old didn't say he was injured after the Tigers' win when speaking to reporters, and Kiffin didn't mention his signal-caller being banged up at Monday's news conference.
Landen Clark is projected to be the next quarterback up if Leavitt can't play. The Elon transfer has suited up in both games this season, completing 7 of 10 pass attempts for 109 yards and one touchdown. He posted a 6-5 record for Phoenix in 2025, completing 56% of his throws for 2,321 yards with 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Leavitt was tremendous in LSU's season-opening victory over Clemson but struggled with turnovers against Louisiana Tech, throwing three interceptions while completing 25 of 38 passes. However, he also ran for three touchdowns and totaled 366 yards.
Kiffin's return to Oxford will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.
