With Lane Kiffin in charge as the new era begins in Baton Rouge, the LSU Tigers returned to the field Tuesday morning for their first Spring Camp practice.
With those in attendance receiving five periods of practice during individual work, Kiffin and Co. opened the gates to the media for 20 minutes on a gorgeous day in the Bayou State.
What was the most notable thing? What did Baton Rouge look and sound like on Day 1?
Day One of LSU Spring Camp: The Sights and Sounds
The best quarterback in the nation is the one from LSU. Sam Leavitt Appears to be Ahead of Schedule
Sam Leavitt, the top overall player in the NCAA transfer portal this offseason, moved from Arizona State to Baton Rouge and signed with LSU.
After a successful two-year period at Arizona State, where he threw for 4,652 yards and 36 touchdowns with 11 interceptions, the 205-pounder, who is 6-2, went to the Bayou State.
Leavitt also accumulated 816 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground as he went on to have a 16-4 record that featured a CFP appearance and a Big 12 Championship in 2024.
However, following a foot injury in 2025 that ended his season prematurely for the Sun Devils last autumn, his status for Spring Camp was still uncertain.
“I think with the quarterback room – a lot of change had to happen, Kiffin said this offseason. When we first arrived, there were no numbers at all—not even one. I was very pleased with what we accomplished there…
Leavitt will be allowed to throw some and engage in 7-on-7, but not the team activities. It was crucial to recruit quarterbacks. The quarterback and tempo drive our offense.
The remaining two quarterbacks are skilled athletes. I’m happy that our assistant coaches and [GM Billy Glasscock] were able to accomplish that at the quarterback position. Players coming to the same location speaks volumes. Many players would prefer to go somewhere with a guarantee of beginning.
Leavitt was throwing, making some movement, and seeming more energetic than I had anticipated.
Number 2: S Ty Benefield will draw attention.
With considerable interest coming during Spring Camp, which starts next week, Ty Benefield, the safety for Boise State, is still the buzz of the city throughout the offseason workouts.
Once formally in the Transfer Portal, the 204-pound, 6-foot-2 athlete attracted attention from several universities, with LSU prevailing over competitors like the Oregon Ducks.
Benefield had 105 total tackles, 69 total tackles, 3 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble in the 2025 campaign for his Broncos team, where he soon drew interest from a number of top schools.
With Kiffin calling him an ultra elite player after practice, his fluidity was the most noticeable feature of the safety position on Day 1.
- Could DL Richard Anderson compete for starting reps?
Richard Anderson, a defensive lineman for LSU, seems to be a legitimate freshman who is capable of competing for quick snaps.
In December, the program signed the five-star, No. 1 defensive lineman in the United States, who has the potential to have an immediate impact. He now appears quite refined, with his frame standing out after Day 1.
At about 360 pounds, Anderson joined the LSU Tigers. He is now listed at 339 pounds for his first Spring Camp as he works on changing his physique.
