Sam Leavitt Reflected on Early Season Interceptions
The LSU quarterback has thrown eight interceptions across six games as the Tigers look to correct their turnover issues.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Football
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LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt has recorded eight interceptions in his first six games of the season. The signal-caller is working with performance coaches to refine his technique and reduce turnover frequency.
Why it matters
LSU seeks to stabilize its offensive performance and avoid further losses after dropping two of its first three SEC contests. These adjustments are critical to keeping the team's narrow path to the College Football Playoff open.
Leavitt has thrown 8 interceptions in 6 games, a sharp contrast to his time at Arizona State where he recorded 34 touchdowns against only 9 interceptions. He showed improvement in his last outing, completing 73.5 percent of his passes for 275 yards against Kentucky.
The players
Sam Leavitt
He is the starting quarterback for LSU who previously played for two seasons at Arizona State.
Craig Manning
He is a sports performance coach who is working with Leavitt to refine his passing technique.
Sean Drake
He serves as a sports performance coach focused on assisting Leavitt with his drop back depth and decision-making.
The details
To address his turnover struggles, Leavitt is collaborating with sports performance coaches Craig Manning and Sean Drake to adjust his drop back depth and target selection. The team maintains a focus on consistency as they prepare for the upcoming challenge at Tiger Stadium.
Timeline
On October 13, 2026, Sam Leavitt reflected on his interception statistics.
LSU plays Mississippi State at Tiger Stadium on October 17, 2026, at 11 a.m.
Season Trajectory
LSU's current 1-2 record in SEC play and interception-heavy start have significantly narrowed the team's path to the College Football Playoff. As they prepare to face a ranked Mississippi State squad, the Tigers must find offensive stability to remain relevant in the postseason conversation.
Leavitt's ability to limit interceptions is the primary variable for LSU's offensive efficiency against Mississippi State. Any continued turnover issues will likely stall drives and increase the pressure on the LSU defense to hold off the 16th-ranked opponent.
The takeaway
Quarterbacks often face a steep learning curve when transitioning to new offensive systems in the SEC. Implementing specific technical adjustments to drop back depth can serve as a vital tool for players looking to restore ball security.
Further reading
For more analysis on the team's outlook, visit the Baton Rouge Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NOLA.
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