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LSU Lands Top Transfer QB Sam Leavitt After Late Tennessee Push

The Arizona State transfer becomes Lane Kiffin’s presumptive 2026 starter following LSU’s quarterback exodus.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report Leavitt has committed to or signed with LSU, with ESPN, CBS Sports and Reuters characterizing the move as expected or completed despite a final Tennessee overture.
  • Leavitt, ranked the No. 1 player in the portal, led Arizona State to the 2024 Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff berth and has 4,652 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in his career.
  • He is rehabbing a Lisfranc foot injury after season-ending surgery in November 2025 and is expected to miss spring practice while targeting a return by fall camp.
  • Lane Kiffin pursued Leavitt through the compressed Jan. 2–16 window, including a late trip to Knoxville, after LSU entered the portal with no returning scholarship quarterbacks.
  • LSU also added Elon transfer Landen Clark as a developmental option, giving the Tigers immediate depth and two years of potential eligibility with Leavitt.