ESPN Ranks New LSU QB Sam Leavitt As Top 5 Transfer Portal Player

by Staff Reporter

January 28, 20266 Comments

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

ESPN's list of the best players in the college football transfer portal ranked new LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt at No. 3.

Here's what Tom Luginbill had to say about the former Arizona State passer:

quote:
3. Sam Leavitt, QB
Transferring from: Arizona State
Transferring to: LSU
Years remaining: 2
HT: 6-2 | WT: 205 | Class: Redshirt sophomore

Background: Leavitt helped lead the Sun Devils to a special season in 2024 and was the Big 12's preseason Offensive Player of the Year entering 2025. He wowed everyone as a redshirt freshman, teaming with running back Cam Skattebo to lead Arizona State to a Big 12 title and near upset of Texas in the CFP quarterfinals. The former Michigan State transfer put up 3,328 total yards, 29 total TDs and only six interceptions with a top-10 QBR (80.0) while earning first-team All-Big 12 honors in his squad's first season in the conference.

His follow-up in Tempe was cut short by a foot injury he suffered against Baylor in the Big 12 opener that lingered for weeks and ultimately required season-ending surgery. Leavitt played in only seven games and did an impressive job toughing it out against eventual Big 12 champion Texas Tech, throwing for 319 yards and leading a decisive 75-yard touchdown drive in a 26-22 upset.

Scout's take: Leavitt is a two-year starter who completed 61.4% of his passes for 4,513 yards and 34 touchdowns over the past two seasons despite sitting out five games in 2025. He evades pressure with his quick feet, he keeps his eyes downfield as he negotiates the pocket, and he makes off-platform throws. He can layer intermediate throws over the middle, and he puts good touch on downfield passes outside the hashes. His quickness and toughness make him a threat when he scrambles and on designed quarterback runs. He will take risks with the football, which also leads to a below-average completion percentage. -- Luginbill

What he brings to LSU: After taking visits to Kentucky, LSU, Tennessee and Miami, Leavitt eventually arrived at the decision that playing for Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge was his best move. This became a must-win battle for Kiffin and the new Tigers staff and Leavitt is walking into a fascinating situation with a supporting cast that had to be rebuilt via the portal. But a prolific year with Kiffin and OC Charlie Weis Jr. could certainly elevate Leavitt to first-round status in next year's draft.