Lane Kiffin Intensifies Search for Starting Quarterback at LSU

Lane Kiffin’s arrival at LSU has placed the team’s quarterback search in the spotlight. The Tigers hired Kiffin from Ole Miss, hoping to capitalize on his impressive coaching background.

Quarterback Status at LSU

The 2025 season saw redshirt senior Garrett Nussmeier starting as LSU’s quarterback. Although he was expected to guide the team towards the College Football Playoff, an abdominal injury hindered his performance, leading to an overall struggling offense. Mid-season, head coach Brian Kelly was dismissed, and Nussmeier played only one additional game due to his injury.

Sophomore Michael Van Buren took over in the latter part of the season, starting the last four games, including a Texas Bowl defeat against Houston. His performance raised concerns about his viability as a starter under the new coaching staff, as Kiffin had no previous connection to him. Consequently, Van Buren recently entered the transfer portal.

Kiffin’s Transfer Targets

Kiffin’s strategy for quarterback recruitment included exploring noteworthy options in the transfer portal. Trinidad Chambliss, the starter at Ole Miss, was considered a likely candidate to follow Kiffin to LSU. However, he opted to remain at Ole Miss for the 2026 season, pending an NCAA waiver.

• Brendan Sorsby: The top-ranked quarterback in The Athletic’s transfer portal list, Sorsby visited LSU but ultimately committed to Texas Tech.
• Sam Leavitt: Ranked second, the Arizona State transfer is experienced and was seen as a top target for Kiffin. He visited LSU and attended a men’s basketball game with Kiffin.

The Demond Williams Situation

While Kiffin pursued Leavitt, Washington’s Demond Williams announced his intent to enter the transfer portal. Williams excelled in his sophomore year, throwing for over 3,000 yards and scoring 31 touchdowns. Despite initially signing a return agreement with Washington, his potential transfer could lead to legal complications.

Kiffin and LSU’s new offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis Jr., had previously recruited Williams, which adds intrigue to his situation. With Leavitt reportedly visiting Tennessee, the quarterback landscape is rapidly evolving.

Williams’ Performance Overview

Williams showcased significant skill in 2025 with an average of 282.8 yards of total offense per game. Despite his success against lesser opponents, he faced challenges against top-tier defenses. His previous commitment to Ole Miss reflects Kiffin’s ongoing interest in him as a viable option for LSU.

Looking Ahead

As the search for a starting quarterback continues, Kiffin’s experience in developing players like Matt Corral and Jaxson Dart could prove beneficial. The Tigers’ quest for a new leader at quarterback is crucial as they prepare for the upcoming season opener against Clemson on September 5.

With various candidates in play, the direction of Kiffin’s quarterback recruitment at LSU remains a developing story worth following closely.