Sam Leavitt. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Lane Kiffin lands a top transfer quarterback for LSU

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jan 12, 2026 12:07 PM ET

Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers have their starting quarterback for 2026.

Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is expected to sign with LSU, according to multiple reports.

Leavitt was regarded as one of the top quarterbacks in the transfer portal, and also drew interest from Miami, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Leavitt is undoubtedly the most accomplished quarterback in the portal. He helped lead the Sun Devils to a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, when he threw for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 2025 season was cut short by a foot injury.

Sources: Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt is expected to sign with LSU. Leavitt’s pick comes after trips to Kentucky, Tennessee and Miami. He led ASU to the College Football Playoff in 2024 and has 4,652 career passing yards and 36 touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/sAol6XDodc
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 12, 2026

The Tigers were in dire need of a quarterback for 2026. Garrett Nussmeier is graduating, and backup Michael Van Buren is transferring to South Florida, leaving LSU without any experienced options on its projected roster. It had interest in Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr., but he wound up staying with the Huskies after his entry into the portal turned into a fiasco.

Leavitt still has two years of eligibility remaining, though he could certainly vault himself into NFL Draft conversations with a strong 2026 season. That would probably be just fine with Kiffin and the Tigers.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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