LSU coach Lane Kiffin has been searching for a new quarterback to start his reign at the helm of the Tigers since his controversial move from the Ole Miss Rebels last year. The Tigers have been linked to several portal quarterbacks, including being dragged into the messy affair involving Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams.
Which Top Portal QB Has Given LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffin a Commitment?
In addition, Kiffin was pictured courtside alongside Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt during an LSU game last week, and he hosted USC Trojan QB Husan Longstreet.
On Sunday evening, former Elon Phoenix quarterback Landen Clark, who accounted for 2,321 yards, 18 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while adding 614 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns as a freshman, announced his commitment to the Tigers.
Clark also earned Colonial Athletic Association co-Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after an impressive freshman season for the Phoenix.
On Monday, ESPN reporter Pete Thamel further revealed on X that Kiffin had bolstered his quarterback room significantly by snagging the commitment of the No. 1 quarterback in the portal, Sam Leavitt.
“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,” Thamel tweeted.
After spending a season with the Michigan State Spartans as a freshman, Leavitt transferred to Arizona State, where he had a breakout season in 2024, throwing for 2,885 yards, resulting in 24 touchdowns, while leading the Sun Devils to a Big 12 championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff.
Leavitt was one of the favorites for the Heisman Trophy before the 2025 season started, but he only played in seven games before a foot injury ended his season after tallying 1,628 yards, resulting in 10 touchdowns. According to PFSN, he managed a College QB Impact (OFFI) score of 76.2.
Before committing to the Tigers, Leavitt visited the Tennessee Volunteers and the Miami Hurricanes, who are in the national championship game but will have to deal with the expected departure of Carson Beck to the NFL via the draft. Kiffin then flew to Knoxville for a meeting with Leavitt after visiting the Volunteers.
It remains to be seen how much Leavitt will be able to participate in spring training in Baton Rouge due to his rehabilitation from the Lisfranc injury he sustained during the season. He will have two years of eligibility remaining and is expected to be Kiffin’s QB1 during his first season in charge of the SEC powerhouse.
