LSU lands transfer QB but it doesn't mean the Sam Leavitt dream is dead yet

Lane Kiffin has finally signed a quarterback through the transfer portal. After visiting LSU over the weekend, Elon QB Landen Clark committed to Kiffin and the Tigers on Sunday night.

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Clark was named the CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year and an FCS All-American this past season as a redshirt freshman. In total, he threw for 2,231 yards and 18 touchdowns with 8 interceptions while adding 614 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. He chose LSU over other offers from Kentucky, Michigan, and James Madison, and has 3 years of eligibility remaining.

LSU signs Elon transfer QB Landen Clark

Owning a 6'0" 186-pound frame, Clark is an under-the-radar signing that lands Kiffin his first scholarship QB for 2026.

Clark's Elon teammates and coaches at Elon praise his leadership, “freakish” arm talent, and athleticism. He possesses elite arm strength, and his dual-threat skill set could be a great fit for Kiffin's offensive scheme.

LSU remains in pursuit of Sam Leavitt

However, that doesn't mean Kiffin and his staff are done pursuing Sam Leavitt. The former Arizona State QB remains the top quarterback still available on the market, and at this time, it appears to be a 3-team battle between LSU, Tennessee, and Miami.

Leavitt visited Baton Rouge for multiple days earlier this week, but left without a deal in place. He then visited Tennessee and Miami (FL) later in the week, with Kiffin even flying to Knoxville to meet with Leavitt during his Tennessee visit. However, Leavitt remains undecided on his future.

In addition, USC QB Husan Longstreet has entered Kiffin's QB search, as he visited LSU this weekend. A former 5-star recruit, Longstreet was ranked as the No. 4 quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class by 247Sports, and spent this past season backing up Jayden Maiva for the Trojans. He has 4 years of eligibility remaining.