The LSU quarterback room has undergone a radical transformation under new head coach Lane Kiffin. But as spring practice starts, the major storyline is Sam Leavitt’s recovery and the immediate pressure from two high-upside transfers, Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark.
Husan Longstreet Tipped to Be LSU Starter in Sam Leavitt’s Absence
Matt Moscona recently appeared on his latest episode of “Locked On LSU,” where he went into the details of the Tigers’ quarterback room. He mentioned that, as Leavitt recovered, the reps were to be divided between Longstreet and Clark. In addition, he stated that Leavitt was not expected to participate in 11-on-11 drills.
Moscona said, “(Sam) Leavitt had the Lisfranc injury, which cost him the bulk of his season in 2025. As we understand it, he is expected to participate minimally in seven-on-sevens. He’ll do some throwing; that’s the extent of it. We don’t expect Levitt to participate in any 11-on-11s.
“So, it’s a major opportunity for Bryce Longstreet and for Landon Clark. Now, Longstreet is the blue-chip physical phenom, and LSU paid seven figures to get him here as a backup, which says a lot about LSU’s commitment and their interest in the prospect, but also Longstreet’s willingness to come to LSU, understanding he’s going to be backing up Sam Leavitt.”
Kiffin has confirmed that while Leavitt will participate in 7-on-7 drills and individual throwing sessions to build chemistry with a revamped receiver corps, he will be held out of all 11-on-11 team periods. This creates a unique dynamic in which the QB1 of the room leads from the sidelines, opening a massive door for the understudies.
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Longstreet’s participation in full-team drills this spring is vital. It allows him to prove he can master Kiffin’s high-tempo system and potentially ignite a true QB competition in the fall if Leavitt’s foot isn’t 100%. Meanwhile, Clark is a hyper-confident dual-threat who accounted for 29 touchdowns last season.
Clark has publicly embraced the competition, famously telling coaches he didn’t care if they signed Leavitt because he intended to win the job regardless. If Longstreet or Clark dominates the 11-on-11 reps this spring, LSU enters the fall with two starters, providing a safety net that most SEC teams lack.
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With nine transfer receivers also joining the program, Leavitt must use the 7-on-7 periods to establish timing, or he risks falling behind the rapport Longstreet builds during full-team scrimmages. In the end, for a program that had zero scholarship QBs just months ago, the goal for the spring is to exit with a clear hierarchy.
LSU’s expectations for 2026 are nothing short of a College Football Playoff berth, and currently, PFSN’s CFB Playoff Meter gives them a 37% chance to make it.
