LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt continues to manage ongoing foot-related concerns as the team prepares for the upcoming college football season. Despite showing improvement following a series of medical procedures, Leavitt has indicated that he must still perform specific warm-up routines before practice sessions. This requirement highlights the lingering effects of a foot injury sustained during the 2025 season against Baylor on September 20. At the time, Leavitt opted for season-ending surgery before the latter half of the schedule, which affected his performance throughout the remainder of the year. The injury significantly impacted Leavitt’s statistics in 2025, as he completed just 1,628 passing yards, recorded 10 touchdowns, and threw three interceptions while starting in seven games. However, prior to the injury, he had led Arizona State to a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, showcasing impressive totals of 2,885 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. Following his decision to transfer to LSU, where he signed under new head coach Lane Kiffin, Leavitt underwent additional treatment, including a follow-up procedure in April 2026. Kiffin expressed optimism regarding Leavitt’s current condition, noting visible improvements in his mobility and overall performance during recent training camp sessions. “I’m extremely pleased with his week and how he looks,” Kiffin stated. “We have high standards of how we want things and what we want them to look like, and it was probably unrealistic what I was expecting him to look like when he couldn’t move and he was throwing without having his weight to be able to push into.” According to Leavitt himself, he feels fully prepared for the regular season, emphasizing that his nightly routine helps maintain his foot health without requiring excessive attention. Despite these assurances, questions remain about Leavitt’s durability during actual game situations. While he has managed to warm up his foot effectively during practice, the potential risk of setbacks during competition persists. This uncertainty adds an element of caution as LSU aims to build upon its receiving corps with additions such as Jayce Brown, Jackson Harris, and Winston Watkins Jr., all acquired through the transfer portal. Meanwhile, another issue has emerged within the LSU community concerning former quarterback Jayden Daniels, who currently plays for the Washington Commanders. Daniels recently sent a cease-and-desist letter to LSU, demanding that the university stop using his name, image, and likeness. The dispute centers around the decision by LSU to allow sophomore cornerback DJ Picketts to wear the No. 5 jersey, a number previously associated with Daniels during his 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning season at LSU. Former LSU All-American running back Leonard Fournette addressed the situation on the “4th and South” podcast, urging Daniels to move past the controversy. “Just let it go,” Fournette advised. “I know Joe's (Joe Burrow) jersey, No. 9, hasn't been worn in three to four years but somebody will wear it, I promise you. No player is bigger than the brand. No player is bigger than the LSU brand.” Fournette reflected on the legacy of retired jerseys at LSU, noting that only five football players have had their numbers officially retired: Billy Cannon (20), Tommy Casanova (37), Jerry Stovall (21), Charles Alexander (4), and Bert Jones (7). During his tenure at LSU from 2014 to 2016, Fournette wore the now-retired No. 7, a number previously donned by notable figures such as Bert Jones and Patrick Peterson. As discussions continue surrounding the future of jersey numbers at LSU, the focus remains on ensuring that the program maintains its traditions while adapting to evolving circumstances. For now, both Leavitt and Daniels find themselves navigating separate yet significant challenges that test their resilience and commitment to their respective teams.
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