Arizona State QB Transfer Sam Leavitt Signing With LSU

Trinton Breeze

Yesterday at 11:57 AM 1 min read

As reported by ESPN, the top quarterback in the transfer portal, Sam Leavitt, is reportedly signing with Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers after visiting several other schools.

The news came from ESPN's Pete Thamel, who mentioned on Monday morning that Sam Leavitt is likely to choose the LSU Tigers over other schools like Miami, Kentucky, and Tennessee, where he also took visits.

During the 2024 season at Arizona State, he passed for more than 2,800 yards, threw 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions, and added over 400 rushing yards along with five rushing touchdowns. Even though his 2025 season was cut short by injuries, Leavitt remained effective. He threw for over 1,600 yards, completed 10 touchdown passes with only three interceptions, and rushed for an additional 300 yards and five touchdowns.

Now, Miami will need to focus on finding a new quarterback. Whoever they target, they will likely pursue hard after missing out on the top quarterback.

This situation is disappointing... But we’ll see who steps up next.

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Comments (2086)

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1mg of Epi

Sunday at 4:53 PM

JackMcClinton89 said:
It would be a waste to throw a 4+ million bag at Leavitt just to attempt to squeeze out 10 wins next year (especially with his added injury concerns). Take a chance on the young guys at QB, and make sure to keep Toney locked in for 2026 and 2027. It was worth risking it with Beck this year since we had a roster that could compete, but next year we return almost no production outside of RB/DB/Toney.

Starting Emory next season would be a waste though. You have to start Nickel/Coleman and see what you have there, and that will guide the portal decision for the 2027 season. Going 8-4/9-3 with Emory vs 6-6/7-5 with Nickel for example does nothing for you.

The most disappointing thing so far this portal cycle has been the failure to get Perich and Biles, we really should have went all in on those two (and maybe we did but whiffed, hard to tell). This is lining up very similar to when UM basketball made the Final 4 and then couldn't capitalize.

Whenever you decide what your opinion is, take the exact opposite stance instead.

ssvir

Sunday at 4:53 PM

Cribby said:
I was told a week ago Emory is head and shoulders better and they don’t want him leaving.

Last edited: Sunday at 8:01 PM

Alex_Dynamix

Sunday at 4:54 PM

Odin said:
Maybe but 2 or 3 years from today.

Yeah obviously not next year for sure I’d figure we are still in sure fire championship contender mode.. maybe in 27 they will let them battle for it instead of going the QB1 portal route who knows. I’m sure if Leavitt goes to lsu they will pivot to another portal guy, maybe get Bailey to change his mind to enter or convince Ty Simpson somehow idk..whatever the case I can’t see us giving the reigns to Emory after a Championship run

S
Steve44

Sunday at 4:54 PM

Miami should bring Longstreet in tomorrow.

Distructobot3000

Sunday at 4:54 PM

Cribby said:
I was told a week ago Emory is head and shoulders better and they don’t want him leaving.

Problem2

Sunday at 4:55 PM

Cribby said:
I was told a week ago Emory is head and shoulders better and they don’t want him leaving.

Yikes

Dawson Ofer at evaluating QBs

Sunday at 4:56 PM

We got 5 extra days cuz we have championship playoff privilege

Hoyacane1620 said:
draft deadline is January 14th and portal closes January 16th, right? Still time for everything

The portal, which opened Jan. 2, runs through Jan. 16 with an extra five-day window (Jan. 20-24) for teams playing in the national championship

407cane

Sunday at 4:56 PM

Steve44 said:
Miami should bring Longstreet in tomorrow.

why?

the point of a portal qb is to go for older, experienced qb's with proven production

why spend a ton on Longstreet when we have nickel and Coleman already in the room if we're going with first time starters?

hill33

Sunday at 4:56 PM

Steve44 said:
Miami should bring Longstreet in tomorrow.

Dead period begins tomorrow

BALLHAWKU

Sunday at 4:57 PM

Problem2 said:
View attachment 351854

This says a lot of nothing lol

Alex_Dynamix

Sunday at 4:57 PM

Bender said:
If Coleman is not better than Emory by this time next year, our QB HS recruiting needs a complete reshaping, cause there's something wrong if people can't beat out the beta version of Mac Jones with a shot arm.

He should be lol Emory looked horrid last time they gave him extended playing time against D1 players

W
We’reBeckCane

Sunday at 4:57 PM

hill33 said:
Dead period begins tomorrow

Ah. Rough timing.

SCarolina Ibis

Sunday at 4:57 PM

Kiffin met him at the airport when he was on his way to visit Miami. It sure sounds like Kiffin was trying to convincing him not to sign anything before LSU had the chance to counter. And apparently it worked.

Meeting a player at the airport just before a visit should tell everyone just how serious they are about signing him. I'd bet his starting number alone is ridiculous. Who knows what he'll ask for in a bidding war.

If I were them.. every time he ups the number, I'd offer that amount to Simpson first.

C
CanesSkins26

Sunday at 4:58 PM

407cane said:
why?

the point of a portal qb is to go for older, experienced qb's with proven production

why spend a ton on Longstreet when we have nickel and Coleman already in the room if we're going with first time starters?

Because he’s better than they are?