Sam Leavitt To LSU? Top Transfer QB Reportedly Choosing Lane Kiffin’s Program At LSU
Sources confirmed on Monday morning that Sam Leavitt, the former Arizona State standout and one of the most coveted arms in the portal, is heading to LSU. This is a signing and a statement.
If you’ve been following the transfer portal drama in Baton Rouge lately, you’ve probably noticed a fair amount of uncertainty. With Garrett Nussmeier moving on and the depth chart looking dangerously thin, the pressure was mounting on new head coach Lane Kiffin to make a decision. And now it looks like the Tigers have got their guy.
A Massive Recruiting Win For Kiffin
Leavitt didn’t just fall into LSU’s lap. The quarterback took his time, visiting heavy hitters like Miami, Tennessee, and Kentucky. There was even a moment where it looked like the Tigers might pivot to Washington’s Demond Williams Jr., but Kiffin stayed the course.
After swinging and missing on Brendan Sorsby (who opted for Texas Tech), landing Leavitt feels like a massive victory for the new coaching staff. It proves that even in his first year, Kiffin still has the pull to bring top-tier talent to the Bayou. With backups Michael Van Buren and Colin Hurley exiting, the quarterback room was looking lonely, so securing a veteran with Leavitt’s pedigree was non-negotiable.
Leavitt’s Road To Redemption
So, what are the Tigers getting? When he’s healthy, Leavitt is electric. We all remember his 2024 run at Arizona State, where he led the Sun Devils to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. That season earned him the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year nod and put the college football world on notice.
His 2025 campaign was a tougher pill to swallow. A nagging foot injury eventually required surgery, cutting his season short after just seven starts. But even in that shortened year, he threw for over 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns. The talent is undeniable. He’s a guy who has thrown for over 4,600 career yards and knows how to win big games—including that upset over Texas Tech.
What This Means For 2026 Season
For LSU, this changes the entire complexion of the upcoming season. You’re bringing in a guy with two years of eligibility left who has already proven he can lead a team to the playoffs. He’s a plug-and-play starter who can manage the game and make plays with his feet.
Kiffin has also been busy stocking the shelves for his new QB, bringing in transfer wideouts like Winston Watkins and Jayce Brown. It’s shaping up to be an exciting new era in Baton Rouge. It’s looking to be an incredible new season.
