Lane Kiffin made a splash on Monday when he received a commitment from former Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt. Leavitt is the No. 2 quarterback on the market according to Saturday Blitz, and with his addition, LSU's transfer portal class is now ranked No. 1 in the country by 247Sports.
Sam Leavitt commitment makes LSU's transfer portal class the envy of teams everywhere
Leavitt comes to Baton Rouge after two seasons in Tempe with the Arizona State Sun Devils. He led Kenny Dillingham's squad to a Big 12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2024, and has racked up over 5,400 total yards and 46 total touchdowns in his collegiate career. With two years of eligibility remaining, Leavitt gives the Tiger offense plenty of potential for Kiffin's first season at LSU.
New LSU QB Sam Leavitt among Heisman favorites for 2026
The start of the 2026 college football season is still a long way from starting up, but Heisman odds have already been posted on several major US sportsbooks. Leavitt is right there near the top of the list.
With odds of +1300, Leavitt is tied for the 5th-best odds to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy on FanDuel Sportsbook. The new LSU gunslinger is tied with Georgia QB Gunner Stockton and new Indiana QB Josh Hoover. Texas QB Arch Manning and Notre Dame QB CJ Carr are tied for the top spot with odds of +800. Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith and QB Julian Sayin are both just ahead of Leavitt with odds of +1000.
2026 Heisman Odds, via FanDuel:
— College Football Report (@CFBReport) January 12, 2026
Arch Manning +800
CJ Carr +800
Jeremiah Smith +1000
Julian Sayin +1000
Gunner Stockton +1300
Josh Hoover +1300
Sam Leavitt +1300
Marcel Reed +1600
Jayden Maiava +1700
Dylan Raiola +1700
Brendan Sorsby +2000 pic.twitter.com/oujA99pY9p
LSU's offense looking to get back on track in 2026
The LSU offense struggled mightily in 2025. The Tigers finished dead last in the SEC in total yards per game (333.5), and finished 14th in the conference in points per game (22.8). LSU never scored more than 25 points against an FBS opponent during the regular season, but erupted for 35 points in the Texas Bowl against Houston. Bringing in Leavitt gives LSU's offense plenty of potential for 2026.
Kiffin also brings back RBs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, who could be among the best 1-2 punches in the country. TE Trey'Dez Green is also back, and he is one of the best red zone targets in all of college football. Kiffin also bolstered LSU's offensive line and WR room through the portal, giving the Tigers plenty of depth.
After such a disappointing 2025 season, Tiger fans are ready to see more offensive firepower in 2026. Known as an offensive guru, Kiffin is hoping to deliver.