Is Sam Leavitt really doubtful? Classic Lane Kiffin chicanery? On LSU-Ole Miss week, the fun’s in the mystery

Already one of the most anticipated games of the season, Wednesday night brought a significant twist to LSU's trip to Ole Miss this weekend. When the SEC released its initial availability report, Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt was shockingly listed as doubtful to play. Leavitt did, however, participate in walkthrough practice on Thursday.

Is Kiffin gaming the system? Or is he truly concerned that Leavitt might not play?

"During the 2025 SEC football season, nine percent of starters listed as 'doubtful' on Wednesday's Initial Report played in the game (4/46 players)," an SEC spokesperson told CBS Sports. "On a national scale, during the 2025-26 College Football Playoff, one of six (17%) starter-level players listed as 'Doubtful' on the Initial Report played in the game."

According to CBS Sports' Bud Elliott, Kiffin listed players as doubtful 14 times in the last two seasons at Ole Miss. Thirteen times, the players did not play, but Kiffin was renowned for perhaps overusing the questionable designation.

The SEC did not respond to a request for comment when asked how often players listed as doubtful end up playing. The doubtful designation is intended to mean " a less than 25% chance to play," according to the…

Original source: https://www.cbssports.com/