Junior starting quarterback Sam Leavitt is officially off the injury report and ready to play against No. 9 Ole Miss tonight, a huge shot in the arm for No. 7 LSU as they march into Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for a monster top-10 showdown. This is exactly the kind of news Tigers fans needed to hear! Leavitt’s been on a rollercoaster this week, starting out “doubtful” on the injury report, then getting upgraded to “questionable” on Thursday night, before finally being removed completely on Friday. That’s a massive turnaround and signals he’s primed to lead the offense in this pivotal early-season clash. His availability means Head Coach Lane Kiffin won’t be scrambling for a QB in a game that could define the early trajectory of their 2026 season.
The Dottery Dilemma: A Walking Boot in Oxford
But hold up, because while Leavitt is a definite go, the defense just got hit with a gut punch that could leave LSU scrambling, especially in a hostile environment. Senior linebacker TJ Dottery, a former Ole Miss Rebel, might not even be able to suit up against his old team in Oxford. Can you imagine the frustration? Dottery is listed as a game-time decision, and this isn’t just some minor tweak; the guy was spotted in a walking boot when the team deboarded their plane Friday evening. That’s a tough visual for any fan wanting their team at full strength for a top-10 battle! He’s been carrying a “questionable” tag since Wednesday, and the fact he’s still a game-time call, coupled with seeing him in that boot, tells you everything. Dottery has been a huge reason why LSU’s defense has looked so dominant through their first two games of the 2026 season, and losing that kind of impact against a top-10 opponent is a serious blow.
Early Season Hurdles for Kiffin’s Tigers
This monster top-10 matchup in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium is already overflowing with tension, and now Head Coach Lane Kiffin has to navigate these significant early season injuries. Beyond the critical uncertainty surrounding Dottery, LSU is already confirmed to be without a few other key players for tonight’s game. Freshman wide receiver Phillip Wright III is out, which takes away a potential dynamic playmaker from the receiving corps. Freshman edge rusher Jaidan Braker is also out, which puts more pressure on the defensive line to generate pressure. And sophomore running back Raycine Guillory Jr. won’t be taking the field either, impacting the depth of the backfield. LSU is currently sitting at a perfect 2-0, thanks in large part to their defensive dominance, but being down these players, especially one as impactful as Dottery, could really test their depth and resolve against No. 9 Ole Miss. Every coach talks about the next man up, but in a game this big, against a team this good, these absences are amplified.
What’s Next for the Undefeated Tigers
So, while we’re all absolutely buzzing to see Sam Leavitt back and firing on all cylinders, every single fan, coach, and player will have their eyes glued to that sideline tonight, just waiting for any update on TJ Dottery’s status. This is more than just another game; it’s a colossal top-10 battle, a true gut-check for the Tigers’ perfect 2-0 start to the 2026 season. Can LSU’s defense maintain its dominant, lights-out performance without one of its most pivotal contributors, especially when Dottery’s former team is dead set on spoiling his return to Oxford? This game has “must-watch” written all over it, and we’re about to see what this LSU squad is truly made of!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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