LSU Tigers Football Poised to Welcome Transfer Quarterback Sam Leavitt Under New Coach Lane Kiffin
As Lane Kiffin begins his tenure as head coach of the LSU Tigers football program, the team appears ready to address a critical need at quarterback. According to ESPN reports, Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is expected to transfer to LSU and play in Baton Rouge next season. This acquisition would be significant for the Tigers, as Leavitt is considered one of the top quarterbacks available in the transfer portal. Before settling on LSU, Leavitt reportedly visited both Miami and Kentucky, weighing his options carefully before making this important career decision. The timing couldn’t be better for LSU, which recently saw quarterback Garrett Nussmeier graduate following the 2025 season and backup Michael Van Buren transfer to South Florida after Kiffin’s arrival from Ole Miss.
Leavitt’s journey to LSU has been one of continuous growth and adaptation. After spending his freshman year at Michigan State in 2023, he made the decision to transfer to Arizona State, where he flourished under the guidance of head coach Kenny Dillingham. His development at Arizona State was remarkable, as he helped lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024. Though they ultimately lost to the Texas Longhorns in the first round, it was only by eight points – a competitive showing on college football’s biggest stage. Unfortunately, Leavitt’s 2025 season was cut short by a foot injury that required season-ending surgery after just seven games. During that abbreviated campaign, he still managed to throw for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns, demonstrating the skill set that has made him such a coveted transfer prospect.
When Leavitt entered the transfer portal in December, Coach Dillingham had nothing but praise for his departing quarterback, writing on social media platform X: “Big 12 champ, put his name on the map, smart/talented player! Going to succeed wherever he goes.” This endorsement speaks volumes about Leavitt’s character and abilities, suggesting that LSU is gaining not just a talented athlete but also a smart, determined competitor. The Tigers’ pursuit of Leavitt became even more crucial after they reportedly targeted Washington’s Desmond Williams Jr., who ultimately chose to remain with the Huskies. Finding a capable quarterback became a top priority for Kiffin as he assembles his first LSU roster.
The 2025 season had been one of disappointment for LSU, with the team managing only seven wins despite high expectations. This underwhelming performance led to the mid-season firing of head coach Brian Kelly, creating the vacancy that Kiffin would eventually fill. Kiffin’s hiring represents a fresh start for a program that has grown accustomed to competing for championships. His arrival from Ole Miss came after the Rebels won their traditional Egg Bowl rivalry game against Mississippi State and qualified for the College Football Playoff, reaching the semifinals. This recent success suggests Kiffin brings a winning formula that could help restore LSU to national prominence.
The potential addition of Leavitt to LSU’s roster represents a marriage of opportunity and necessity for both parties. For Leavitt, LSU offers a chance to compete at the highest level of college football in the SEC, widely regarded as the nation’s premier conference. The opportunity to work with Kiffin, known for his offensive acumen and quarterback development, could further enhance Leavitt’s skills and potentially position him for a professional career. For LSU, Leavitt brings experienced leadership at the sport’s most important position, having already proven himself capable of leading a team to playoff contention. His familiarity with high-pressure situations and ability to perform in big games makes him an ideal candidate to help Kiffin establish his system quickly.
As LSU fans look toward the 2026 season, the expected arrival of Leavitt gives them reason for optimism. The combination of Kiffin’s coaching expertise and Leavitt’s proven talents could accelerate the Tigers’ return to national relevance. While one player cannot transform a program alone, finding the right quarterback is often the first and most crucial step in building a championship-caliber team. LSU’s storied football tradition, combined with its passionate fan base and first-class facilities, provides an ideal environment for both Leavitt and Kiffin to succeed. If this reported transfer comes to fruition, it will mark the beginning of an intriguing new chapter in LSU football history, one that both coach and quarterback hope will lead back to championship contention.
