Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers shook the college football recruiting world this summer by putting together the No. 1 Transfer Portal Class in America, led by Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Leavitt checked in as the No. 1 overall player in the free agent market, with Kiffin and Co. laying out the red carpet to acquire his services in what turned out to be a January-long drama.
But Kiffin understood what he had to do to secure the top-rated transfer, eventually signing Leavitt as the headline of the package.
The 6-foot-2, 216-pounder is spending the offseason in Baton Rouge, recuperating from a foot injury sustained during the 2025 season.
Leavitt was restricted in Spring Camp, missing the final two weeks entirely, but he took part in a brief 7-on-7 session during the final practice this past weekend, which impressed Kiffin.
We threw 7-on-7 first – something we don’t normally do – so that Sam [Leavitt] and a few other players, including Whit [Weeks], could do it knowing they weren’t doing team duties. Kiffin remarked that it felt wonderful to watch everyone together.
When we decided to take Sam, we had to recognize that he would not be present for the spring, which would have a distinct sensation in the spring. Understanding it’s about the long term and what that looks like.
Sam did a fantastic job. He only had eight plays, but he tossed a score on his first play on a very long pass that most likely would have resulted in a touchdown. He’s doing a fantastic job.
This morning, I had a meeting with him. He’s extremely competitive, eager to be good, and wants the team to be good. He’s in a very good place.
Kiffin has praised his signal-caller this offseason, with Leavitt the unmistakable QB1 in Baton Rouge and optimism growing ahead of the 2026 season.
Now, as he continues to recuperate, all eyes are on the LSU Tigers’ quarterback, with the summer months providing a significant opportunity to return to full health.
