July 31, 2026
Sam Leavitt Breaks Silence on ASU Exit, Joins LSU Ahead of Fall Camp
The former Arizona State quarterback spoke publicly for the first time since arriving in Baton Rouge, citing a desire for a new challenge under Lane Kiffin.
Sam Leavitt addressed his departure from Arizona State for the first time since entering the transfer portal, speaking at a booster event held at LSU's Indoor Practice Facility. The quarterback, who spent three seasons with the Sun Devils, said the decision came down to seeking a different environment after building a comfortable situation in Tempe.
Leaving ASU, I had a comfortable situation. Walking in the building, that's all my guys. Built great relationships, won a lot of games there. But I wanted to do something a little different… It truly just is a different situation. You talk about being a pro, trying to become the best version of yourself. There's no other place to do it other than here.
— Sam Leavitt, LSU quarterback
Leavitt was among the most coveted quarterbacks available in the portal this offseason before ultimately signing with LSU head coach Lane Kiffin. Kiffin has drawn comparisons between Leavitt and former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart, a future first-round pick who thrived in Kiffin's system. Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt has ranked Leavitt the nation's No. 10 overall quarterback heading into the fall.
Health and High Stakes Await in Baton Rouge
Leavitt's transition has not been without setbacks. Injuries limited him for most of spring practice, though Kiffin has said the quarterback is expected to be healthy when LSU opens the season against Clemson on Sept. 5. The Tigers are among the programs with College Football Playoff and national championship aspirations, and Leavitt figures to be central to those goals.
His best football came during Arizona State's breakout run two seasons ago, when the Sun Devils won the Big 12 title and reached the College Football Playoff semifinals against Texas. That year, Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 13 games while completing just under 62 percent of his passes. He also contributed on the ground, rushing for 443 yards and five additional touchdowns. He missed most of the following season due to injury.
With fall camp set to begin, LSU's offense — built largely through the transfer portal and featuring a $40 million roster — faces several open questions beyond the quarterback position. Leavitt, however, has made clear his reasons for making the move and what he is chasing in Baton Rouge.
