Lane Kiffin Poised to Bolster LSU Tigers with Star Quarterback Transfer Sam Leavitt
BATON ROUGE, La. — Lane Kiffin’s arrival as head coach of the LSU Tigers is already making waves in college football recruiting circles, with reports confirming that standout quarterback Sam Leavitt is set to transfer to LSU through the NCAA transfer portal. Leavitt, who has played the past two seasons at Arizona State, is widely regarded as one of the top quarterbacks available this offseason and is expected to bring a major boost to the Tigers’ offense.
Leavitt’s journey to LSU marks the latest chapter in a collegiate career that has seen him make strategic moves to maximize his playing opportunities. Originally a Michigan State recruit, Leavitt transferred to Arizona State following his freshman season in 2023, where he quickly established himself as a dynamic and versatile quarterback. His decision to enter the transfer portal this winter attracted significant attention, with visits to programs including Miami and Kentucky before reportedly settling on LSU.
The Tigers, coming off a coaching change with Kiffin’s arrival from Ole Miss, have been actively reshaping their roster. The departure of Garrett Nussmeier, who graduated after the 2025 season, and the transfer of Michael Van Buren to South Florida left LSU in need of a proven quarterback to lead the offense. Leavitt’s commitment fills that critical void and aligns with Kiffin’s aggressive approach to building a competitive team.
LSU’s pursuit of Leavitt also included interest in Washington’s Desmond Williams Jr., who ultimately decided to remain with the Huskies. The Tigers’ success in securing Leavitt underscores the program’s renewed momentum under Kiffin’s leadership. As the NCAA transfer portal continues to reshape college football rosters nationwide, LSU’s acquisition of Leavitt signals their intent to contend at the highest level.
Leavitt’s skill set—characterized by mobility, strong arm talent, and field vision—fits well with Kiffin’s offensive philosophy, which emphasizes dynamic quarterback play and aggressive downfield passing. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this partnership will unfold in the upcoming season.
For more on NCAA transfer rules and player movement, the NCAA Transfer Portal offers comprehensive guidance. Additionally, the LSU Athletics Department provides updates on team rosters and coaching staff changes. Coverage of Lane Kiffin’s coaching career and strategy can be found through the U.S. Department of Sports resources, while detailed statistics on Sam Leavitt’s collegiate performance are available via the NCAA Football Statistics database.
As the Tigers prepare for the 2026 campaign, the addition of Sam Leavitt represents a significant step toward reestablishing LSU as a powerhouse in college football, promising an exciting season ahead for Baton Rouge and Tiger fans nationwide.

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