The anticipation for the 2026 college football season is real. CFB HQ has kicked off its countdown of the most important players to watch, and Quarterback Sam Leavitt from LSU lands at No. 25.
Leavitt’s journey to LSU is a story of perseverance, talent, and high expectations. Let’s dig into his background, his Arizona State days, his transfer, and what fans might see from him this season.
Sam Leavitt’s Journey to LSU
Sam Leavitt didn’t take a straight path to the LSU Tigers. He first made a name for himself at Arizona State, leading the Sun Devils to a 16-4 record over two seasons.
He started 13 games, posted an 11-2 mark as a starter, and helped the team reach the College Football Playoff. Despite the wins, Arizona State staff had mixed reviews, and there were worries about his health after a Lisfranc injury.
Arizona State Success
At Arizona State, Leavitt threw for 4,513 yards and 34 touchdowns, with just nine interceptions in 20 starts. He also ran for 816 yards and 10 touchdowns.
His leadership pushed the Sun Devils to an 11-2 record in Big 12 play, a conference championship, and a playoff matchup against Texas in 2024.
Health and Durability Concerns
Still, durability was a big question mark. That Lisfranc injury in September 2025 sidelined him for the final five games.
He played only seven games that year, putting up 1,628 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. These injuries made his transfer to LSU a complicated choice for both sides.
Transition to LSU
Leavitt’s move to LSU was huge for him and the Tigers. After a few twists—Demond Williams Jr. stayed at Washington, Brendan Sorsby went elsewhere—LSU coach Lane Kiffin set his sights on Leavitt.
Leavitt picked LSU over Miami in mid-January, becoming the headline of the nation’s top-ranked transfer class, according to 247Sports.
Spring Practice Challenges
The transition wasn’t smooth. Leavitt spent most of LSU’s spring practice on the sidelines, still recovering from surgery on his foot.
He focused on learning Kiffin’s complex system by watching from the sidelines. Kiffin said Leavitt was *taking it very seriously* and spent a lot of time studying, admitting it’s *a lot to learn* and *not easy* without being able to practice fully.
Limited On-Field Development
Leavitt barely got on the field. He joined 7-on-7 drills in LSU’s final closed spring scrimmage and took about eight snaps in Tiger Stadium.
His first throw in that last 7-on-7 went for a long touchdown—so, even with limited reps, he showed flashes of what he can do.
Expectations for the 2026 Season
As the 2026 season gets closer, expectations for Leavitt and LSU are sky-high. Kiffin hasn’t been shy about his vision: he wants LSU to be the kind of team that opponents fear right from kickoff.
That puts a lot on Leavitt, and his play will be a huge factor in whether LSU’s big transfer bets and Kiffin’s reworked system pay off.
High-Octane Offense
Leavitt fits Kiffin’s high-octane offense. He’s accurate, mobile, and keeps his cool under pressure—a pretty ideal mix.
In June, Kiffin said Leavitt was *pretty much full strength now*, clearing the way for LSU’s playoff push. Staying healthy heading into fall camp is non-negotiable, and everyone will be watching to see how he performs.
Supporting Cast
Leavitt isn’t doing this alone. The offensive line features No. 4 overall transfer Jordan Seaton from Colorado.
Plus, nine new wide receivers arrived in the portal, including Winston Watkins, Jayce Brown, and Eugene Wilson III. With that kind of talent around him, Leavitt’s got the tools to make something special happen for LSU this year.
Season Opener Against Clemson
The Tigers need to hit the ground running in 2026. Baton Rouge doesn’t reward moral victories or half-measures; it expects titles.
LSU kicks off the season at home against the Clemson Tigers on Saturday, Sept. 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC. These two programs have already clashed five times, and LSU leads the series 4-1.
LSU took the last two matchups, including a 17-10 win last year. They also pulled off a 42-25 victory over Clemson in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship.
If you’re curious about Sam Leavitt’s journey and why he matters so much to the 2026 college football season, check out the full article on CFB HQ.
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
