The final status for LSU linebacker Whit Weeks has been announced. Unfortunately, Weeks will not suit up against Vanderbilt on Saturday afternoon. Weeks is dealing with a bone bruise to his ankle, and while he held a status of "questionable" throughout the week, his recovery didn't progress enough for him to play. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Weeks was going to try things out in warmups, and hours before kick-off he was ruled out. The junior linebacker was seen donning a walking boot on his right foot on the field before the game.
Weeks' absence is a big blow to the LSU defense, which is allowing just 11.8 points per game this season. The Tigers still have plenty of playmakers to have a strong day against the Commodores, but not having Weeks in the mix stings. Weeks was First-Team All-SEC last season and finished second in the conference with 125 tackles. He is one of the best tacklers in the country, and his presence will be missed in the middle of the field.
Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia is a mobile QB who is capable of doing damage with his legs. On the season, the Commodore QB has racked up 352 rushing yards and is averaging a career-high 5.9 yards per carry. Not having Weeks out there could benefit Pavia's running ability.
With Weeks out, sophomore Davhon Keys and redshirt freshman Tylen Singleton figure to see increased roles in Blake Baker's defense. Other playmakers such as Harold Perkins Jr will be leaned upon to hold things down as well. The Tigers are 2.5-point underdogs against Vanderbilt, with kick-off set for 11:00 a.m. CT in Nashville.
#LSU’s Harold Perkins takes the field in Nashville with all eyes on No. 7.
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) October 18, 2025
Perkins and Co. will look to make up for Whit Weeks’ absence after being ruled out on Saturday.
Tigers looking to go 1-0 again this week with a matchup vs. No. 17 Vanderbilt.
Top-20 showdown soon… pic.twitter.com/O6UVLbTci3