Sam Leavitt explains leaving Arizona State for Lane Kiffin
Sam Leavitt left Arizona State for LSU because he wanted a different challenge after a comfortable stretch in Tempe, choosing Lane Kiffin's Tigers to push toward a pro-level leap. The former Sun Devils quarterback said Baton Rouge is where he can become the best version of himself after winning big at Arizona State. That move now sits at the center of LSU's 2026 hopes, as Kiffin shifts focus from Leavitt's foot recovery to installing him in the offense.
Key Takeaways
- Leavitt said he left a comfortable Arizona State situation for a different challenge at LSU under Lane Kiffin.
- He framed the transfer as a step toward becoming a pro and the best version of himself.
- A Lisfranc injury kept him out of most spring work; Kiffin says health is less of a worry than system transition.
- In 2024 at ASU, Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions while winning the Big 12.
- LSU opens Sept. 5 against Clemson with College Football Playoff ambitions.
Why did Sam Leavitt leave Arizona State for LSU?
Leavitt was among the most sought-after quarterbacks in the transfer portal after three years at Arizona State. Nearly every program wanted him, but he signed with LSU to play for Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge, according to On3.
"Leaving ASU, I had a comfortable situation," Leavitt said. "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."
How is Lane Kiffin preparing Leavitt for the LSU offense?
Leavitt missed most of spring practice after Lisfranc surgery in November. Kiffin told ESPN he is "not worried about the health" and is instead concerned about any first-time quarterback's transition and game-day experience.
Kiffin said in-helmet communication can make modern transfers easier. He has compared Leavitt's style to former Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart and noted Leavitt has been clocked at 21 mph on GPS while flashing in workouts. For more high-stakes season storylines, see our Future Tech & AI Wonders hub.
What does Leavitt's move mean for LSU in 2026?
Leavitt broke out in 2024, leading Arizona State to the Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff run that pushed Texas to overtime. He also added 443 rushing yards and five touchdowns that season. His 2025 campaign was uneven after a September foot injury against Baylor.
Sports Illustrated notes Kiffin's track record elevating quarterbacks, including Trinidad Chambliss at Ole Miss. Kiffin even joked about landing Leavitt over Cincinnati transfer Brendan Sorsby: "There's a song, thank God for unanswered prayers." LSU linebacker Whit Weeks called Leavitt a "baller" who can "spin it" into tight windows. If the Tigers chase a playoff run—and national title talk around the bayou—Leavitt's health and chemistry with Lane Kiffin will be decisive.