Sam Leavitt Joins LSU: Major Recruiting Success for Lane Kiffin
LSU’s football program has secured a significant addition for the 2026 season with the commitment of quarterback Sam Leavitt. The announcement came on January 13, 2026, through the official LSU football social media channels. Leavitt, previously of Arizona State, is a major asset as he ranks as the No. 2 quarterback in The Athletic’s transfer rankings.
Lane Kiffin’s Strategic Recruitment
Coach Lane Kiffin’s pursuit of a quarterback intensified after Washington quarterback Demond Williams opted to return to his school, surprising many after briefly entering the transfer portal. With the urgency mounting, LSU set its sights on Leavitt, who was visiting Baton Rouge during this critical period.
Leavitt’s Impressive Track Record
Leavitt’s potential impact at LSU is underscored by his previous performance in 2024, where he led Arizona State to a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance. During that season, he accumulated:
- 2,885 passing yards
- 24 touchdowns
- 6 interceptions
- 443 rushing yards
- 5 rushing touchdowns
He also showcased his skills in a thrilling CFP quarterfinal against Texas, even though Arizona State fell 39-31 in overtime.
Challenges in 2025
Leavitt’s 2025 season was marred by a foot injury that led to surgery, impacting his game time. Despite this setback, he showcased his resilience by leading the Sun Devils to a notable upset against Texas Tech with a standout performance of 319 passing yards.
The Quarterback Landscape at LSU
LSU is thrilled to have Leavitt, especially in light of the current quarterback situation. With Garrett Nussmeier out of eligibility and Michael Van Buren transferring to USF, Kiffin needed a strong leader. Colin Hurley is also in the transfer portal, further increasing the urgency to find a reliable quarterback.
In addition to Leavitt, LSU recently welcomed Landen Clark, a transfer from Elon. This move is part of Kiffin’s broader strategy to enhance the team’s capabilities heading into the 2026 season.
An Ideal Fit for Kiffin’s Offense
Leavitt’s style of play aligns perfectly with Kiffin’s offensive philosophy. Described as a quick thinker with a strong arm, Leavitt has the ability to create plays when the pocket collapses. His confidence and dynamic skill set should mesh well with Kiffin’s coaching style.
Supporting Cast
To complement Leavitt’s arrival, LSU has bolstered its receiving corps with talented transfers. These include:
- Jayce Brown (Kansas State)
- Eugene Wilson III (Florida)
- Tre Brown (Old Dominion)
- Jackson Harris (Hawaii)
The influx of talent presents a promising outlook for the Tigers as they aim for a competitive season ahead. Leavitt’s addition significantly elevates LSU’s prospects, setting the stage for a potential College Football Playoff berth in 2026.
The post Sam Leavitt Joins LSU: Major Recruiting Success for Lane Kiffin appeared first on CDN3 - Filmogaz.
