LSU Quarterback Sam Leavitt Omitted from Top‑10 Rankings Over Availability Concerns

*TL;DR: Analyst J.D. PicKell excluded LSU’s Sam Leavitt from his top‑10 quarterback rankings because the player has missed 15 of 39 possible games, raising doubts about his availability.

Context LSU entered the 2026 season with a roster built for a national championship: a No. 1 transfer class, a modernized offense under Lane Kiffin, and depth across the board. The program’s biggest question mark is quarterback durability. Last season, injuries at the position limited the Tigers to seven wins despite high expectations.

Key Facts Leavitt has amassed 4,652 passing yards, 36 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in his college career. He has started or appeared in 24 of a possible 39 games, meaning he missed roughly 38% of potential playing time. PicKell, who praised Leavitt’s talent, said the quarterback would belong in the top‑10 if he stays healthy, but he could not justify the ranking given the risk of further absences.

What It Means The omission underscores a shift in quarterback evaluation: raw talent no longer outweighs reliability. For LSU, the message is clear—Leavitt must prove he can stay on the field to justify the team’s championship aspirations. Kiffin’s offense thrives on vertical throws and explosive plays, skills Leavitt possesses, but the scheme’s success hinges on consistent snaps.

If Leavitt can avoid injury, his ceiling rivals the nation’s elite, and LSU’s offense could become one of the most productive in the SEC. Conversely, continued missed games would reinforce analysts’ caution and could force the Tigers to rely on backups, limiting their ceiling.

What to Watch Next Monitor Leavitt’s health reports during preseason practices and the first few games; his availability will dictate whether LSU’s championship push remains realistic or becomes another case of untapped potential.