No. 7 LSU vs. No. 8 Ole Miss Week 3 Preview: Leavitt’s Status Changes Everything in Oxford
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 6:30 p.m. CT | Vaught-Hemingway Stadium | ABC
Two undefeated SEC rivals will collide under the lights when No. 7 LSU visits No. 8 Ole Miss in one of the biggest games of the young college football season.
The Magnolia Bowl already carried enormous stakes, but LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt’s unexpected appearance on the SEC availability report has changed the entire conversation.
Leavitt is officially listed as doubtful with soreness in his throwing shoulder. Under the SEC’s availability designations, that gives him approximately a 25 percent chance of playing. If he cannot go, LSU will turn to sophomore Landen Clark or freshman Husan Longstreet in a hostile Oxford environment.
Add Lane Kiffin’s first return to Ole Miss as LSU’s head coach, ESPN College GameDay’s presence and two top-10 rankings, and Saturday’s matchup has become must-see television.
What LSU brings to Oxford
LSU improved to 2-0 with a 45-14 victory over Louisiana Tech, but the final score did not tell the entire story.
The Tigers committed four first-half turnovers, including three Leavitt interceptions, before pulling away. Leavitt finished with 344 passing yards, one passing touchdown and three rushing scores.
Through two games, he has completed 41 of 66 passes for 574 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions. He has also scored five times on the ground.
The turnovers are concerning, but LSU’s defense has been outstanding. The Tigers held Louisiana Tech to only 140 total yards and registered seven sacks. That front will need another disruptive performance against an Ole Miss offense built around quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy.
If Leavitt is unavailable, LSU must simplify the offense for Clark or Longstreet, lean more heavily on the running game and avoid putting its backup quarterback in obvious third-and-long situations.
Clark has completed 7 of 10 passes for 109 yards and a touchdown this season. Longstreet has attempted only one pass, completing it for 33 yards.
What Ole Miss brings
Ole Miss is also 2-0 after defeating Louisville 41-38 and handling Charlotte 41-9.
Chambliss was nearly flawless against Charlotte, completing 23 of 26 passes for 225 yards and two touchdowns. Lacy added 87 rushing yards and two scores, extending his touchdown streak to 11 consecutive games.
That balance is Ole Miss’ greatest offensive advantage. The Rebels can spread the field with Chambliss, then punish light defensive boxes with Lacy.
The remaining concern is the Ole Miss secondary. Head coach Pete Golding has acknowledged that the Rebels are still searching for consistency in pass coverage. LSU will attempt to create isolated matchups downfield regardless of which quarterback starts.
LSU’s keys to victory
Protect the football. LSU cannot give Ole Miss short fields in a loud road environment. The Tigers’ four first-half turnovers against Louisiana Tech must be treated as a warning.
Help the quarterback. If Clark or Longstreet starts, LSU needs a productive running game, quick completions and manageable third downs.
Pressure Chambliss. LSU’s defensive front must collapse the pocket without creating escape lanes. Chambliss becomes especially dangerous when a play breaks down.
Control Lacy. Allowing Ole Miss to establish its running game would give Chambliss access to the Rebels’ entire playbook.
Survive the opening surge. Ole Miss will feed off the crowd and the emotion surrounding Kiffin’s return. LSU must remain composed during the first quarter.
Ole Miss’ keys to victory
Make LSU’s quarterback prove himself. If Leavitt is unavailable, Ole Miss should crowd the line, disguise pressure and force the backup to make contested throws.
Stay balanced. Chambliss and Lacy give Ole Miss multiple ways to attack LSU. The Rebels cannot become one-dimensional against an aggressive defensive front.
Attack LSU’s linebackers in space. Running backs, tight ends and crossing routes can help Ole Miss neutralize LSU’s pass rush.
Avoid emotional mistakes. Kiffin’s return will produce an intense atmosphere, but personal fouls and unnecessary penalties could decide a close game.
Finish drives. Field goals may not be enough if LSU’s offense finds its rhythm.
Injury and availability watch
LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is doubtful. Leading tackler TJ Dottery and linebacker Tylen Singleton are questionable.
Trey’Dez Green, Whit Weeks, Davhon Keys and Aliou Bah are listed as probable. Phillip Wright III, Jaiden Braker and Raycine Guillory Jr. are out.
The SEC will continue updating its availability report through game day, so every designation should be checked again before kickoff.
Players to watch
Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss: The experienced quarterback must remain efficient against LSU’s pressure and avoid giving the Tigers’ defense momentum.
Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss: His production could determine whether Ole Miss stays ahead of the chains and controls the tempo.
Landen Clark or Husan Longstreet, LSU: If Leavitt sits, every decision made by LSU’s replacement quarterback will be magnified.
TJ Dottery, LSU: If available, LSU’s leading tackler will be critical against Lacy and the Ole Miss rushing attack.
Big Q’s prediction
This matchup was nearly a coin flip before Leavitt appeared on the injury report. With LSU’s starting quarterback currently doubtful, the advantage shifts slightly toward an experienced Ole Miss team playing at home.
LSU’s defense will keep the Tigers competitive, but Ole Miss’ offensive balance and home-field advantage could make the difference late.
Prediction: Ole Miss 30, LSU 27
If Leavitt is cleared and can play without limitations, this becomes a true toss-up.
