College Football Week 3 Betting Report: Leavitt's Status Impacts Kiffin's Return

College Football Week 3 Betting Report: Leavitt's Status Clouds Kiffin's Return

Published Sep. 16, 2026 11:35 p.m. ET

The biggest game on the college football Week 3 oddsboard may have experienced some misdirection on Wednesday night, as LSU's quarterback Sam Leavitt was listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against Ole Miss. Following this announcement, the point spread initially dropped from Tigers -3 to -1.5, but most sportsbooks quickly adjusted back to LSU -2.5, reflecting oddsmakers' skepticism about Leavitt’s availability.

Joey Feazel, head of football trading at Caesars Sports, indicated that if Leavitt does not play, Ole Miss could become the favorite, stating, "I see [the line] being on the other side of pick ‘em if Leavitt is out. I’m not sure what to think. But this is a big game for both sides, so certainly if he’s available, I think he will play."

No. 7 LSU has delivered impressive home victories over Clemson and Louisiana Tech and remains 2-0 straight up (SU) and 1-1 against the spread (ATS). Their upcoming trip to Oxford is expected to present a tougher challenge. No. 8 Ole Miss also boasts a 2-0 SU/1-1 ATS record, having successfully navigated an early challenge against Louisville at a neutral site in Week 1, winning 41-38 while favored by 6 points.

Caesars Sports initially opened with LSU as -2.5, moving to -3 on Sunday, then settling back at -2.5 after the news about Leavitt. Feazel noted, "A lot of love coming in on this LSU team. Ever since LSU beat up Clemson, that’s been the case. I do not expect that to change. I expect heavy LSU action and money on the Over leading up to game time."

On Wednesday, the total dropped to 57.5 from an opening of 59.5. However, Feazel anticipated that public betting will push the Over as the 7:30 p.m. ET kickoff approaches. Leavitt's status is critical for the LSU-Ole Miss matchup.

In another key matchup, college football betting expert Paul Stone expressed his involvement with the SMU-Louisville game, where last year’s College Football Playoff runner-up Miami is currently seen as the leading team in the ACC. Louisville, at home, is a 1.5-point favorite over the Mustangs, who enter undefeated at 2-0 SU/ATS. Stone indicated that the Cardinals need a victory to remain competitive for the 12-team College Football Playoff picture. He holds confidence in Louisville, predicting that they will win by at least a field goal.

As of Wednesday night, there had been no movement in the line for the SMU vs. Louisville match, with initial action suggesting increased money towards Louisville and the Over, likely due to both teams' offensive capabilities. With a total of 59.5, the number has already ticked up to 60.5 once earlier in the week, likely to surpass the 60 mark again before the 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff.