What Happened LSU listed Sam Leavitt as doubtful for its Saturday, Sept. 19, SEC opener at No. 8 Ole Miss, creating the chance that unbeaten LSU will open conference play with redshirt freshman Husan Longstreet in line to start for the Tigers.

Leavitt started LSU’s first two games, but the Tigers listed him as doubtful on their first injury report for Ole Miss. The report did not identify an injury. Reports have indicated Leavitt has soreness in his throwing shoulder and was limited in practice ahead of the game; he also missed his scheduled media availability Tuesday.

Yahoo Sports reported: “LSU listed starting QB Sam Leavitt as doubtful ahead of its matchup with No. 8 Ole Miss on Saturday. Redshirt freshman Husan Longstreet is in line to start if Leavitt is unable to play.”

LSU has not announced Leavitt’s final availability or confirmed which backup would start if he cannot play.

Why This One Matters LSU enters the game 2-0 after a 51-10 win over Clemson on Sept. 5 and a 45-14 win over Louisiana Tech on Sept. 12. Ole Miss also is 2-0, following wins over Louisville and Charlotte. LSU began the season No. 7 in the AP poll, one spot ahead of Ole Miss.

It is LSU’s first SEC game after the Tigers went 3-5 in the league during a 7-6 season in 2025. Ole Miss went 7-1 in the SEC and finished 13-2. LSU’s effort to improve on that conference record begins on the road against an Ole Miss program that won 13 games a year ago.

Leavitt started both LSU victories. Against Louisiana Tech, he completed 25 of 38 passes for 344 yards and a touchdown, though he threw three interceptions. His shoulder now puts LSU’s first conference road start in doubt before Texas A&M visits Baton Rouge on Sept. 26.

What Most People Are Missing The question is not limited to whether Leavitt plays. Longstreet is reportedly in line to start if Leavitt is unavailable, but Clark has handled more LSU game work.

Clark has completed 7 of 10 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown, adding 42 rushing yards and another score. Longstreet has completed his only LSU pass attempt, a 33-yarder. LSU has not said whether Longstreet or Clark would start if Leavitt is unavailable.

That leaves LSU weighing a reported option against the quarterback with the larger in-game sample.

Next Man Up A Longstreet start would put LSU’s first SEC game on a redshirt freshman who has thrown one pass for the program. He has appeared for LSU this season after previously appearing in four games at USC.

Clark’s 42 rushing yards and touchdown give LSU a different set of limited returns to consider. His seven completions exceed Longstreet’s one, but the reporting points to Longstreet if Leavitt cannot go.

What The Coaches Can Actually Change LSU first must decide whether Leavitt’s throwing shoulder permits him to play. If it does not, the staff must choose between Longstreet, the reported option to start, and Clark, who has received more game work.

The decision arrives in a game that also sends LSU coach Lane Kiffin back against his former program. LSU has not detailed its plan for either backup or said whether both could play.

The Pate State Read The doubtful designation makes Leavitt’s absence a real possibility without settling it. LSU’s first two wins did not require a full-game answer from either Longstreet or Clark; Ole Miss would force that decision in the Tigers’ SEC opener.

Longstreet’s reported standing suggests LSU sees him as more than a one-pass résumé. Clark’s production means the choice is not automatic. The Tigers’ early SEC path could turn on Leavitt’s final status and, if he sits, which inexperienced quarterback handles the road start.

What To Watch Next Leavitt’s final designation before the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff on Sept. 19 is the first answer. If he is out, LSU’s opening series will show whether Longstreet or Clark gets the start.

The box score will show whether LSU stays with that choice. For now, Leavitt’s shoulder has put the Tigers’ conference opener on a quarterback decision they did not have to make in their first two games.