LSU Tigers head football coach Lane Kiffin is looking to find his quarterback for the 2026 college football season. Nonetheless, a new potential target for Kiffin is emerging, and one with experience to usher in the new era in Baton Rouge.
On Jan. 4, On 3’s Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos reported that LSU is expected to host star Arizona State Sun Devils transfer QB Sam Leavitt this week.
In two seasons with Arizona State, Leavitt recorded a passer rating of 141.6 with 4,513 yards, 34 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in 20 games for the Sun Devils in his career, per StatMuse. He helped lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024, but injuries reduced his production in 2025.
Moreover, this news comes after ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reported on Jan. 1 that Cincinnati Bearcats quarterback Brendan Sorsby is on the Tigers‘ radar.
“As for the market itself, Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby is considered the top quarterback in the portal,” Thamel said. “I’ve been told by sources LSU, Texas Tech and Miami are among the schools considering Sorsby.”
Sam Leavitt Begins to Visit Schools Before His Transfer Decision
LSU will do everything it can to ensure that Leavitt doesn’t leave without a deal. The former Arizona State quarterback is ranked by On3 as the top quarterback in the transfer portal, making him a potential significant get for Kiffin as his starting quarterback, ready to compete right away in the SEC. Additionally, having seen what it takes to reach the CFP, the experience would benefit the LSU football program.
Leavitt is already conducting tours and has left Lexington without signing with the Kentucky Wildcats, according to a Jan. 3 report from On3. Moreover, the player is visiting Texas Tech to find the best situation for himself.
It will be interesting to see whether Leavitt leaves Texas Tech without a deal, as that would be good news for Kiffin and LSU before he reportedly visits the football program.
What Would Sam Leavitt Bring to the LSU Tigers
During a Jan. 2 appearance on “CBS Sports HQ,” CBS Sports college football analyst Cooper Petagna shared what makes Leavitt and what he would bring to any time now that LSU are reportedly hosting him for a visit.
“You look at Leavitt and what he’s done; the body of work over the last two years and his ability to elevate his team and the talent around him, plus the mobility as well,” Petagna said.
“When you really watch him, the athlete really jumps off. He is some type of blended version of John Matier and Bo Nix, all the way back in 2022 when he was at Auburn, before he went to Auburn and kind of refined his game a little bit.
“But I think ultimately at the end of the day, you start digging in on the character and the intangibles. You hear elite competitor, and I think that’s something that kind of rings true with him, and then obviously you match that up with the type of physical traits that he has.”
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