The drama surrounding Lane Kiffin's search for a quarterback reached a new level on Tuesday night. After missing out on Brendan Sorsby, Kiffin has turned his attention to Sam Leavitt, who is visiting Baton Rouge on Tuesday.
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But a new name could now be entering the mix. According to On3, Washington QB Demond Williams has decided to enter the transfer portal. His decision comes just days after it was announced that he would be returning to Washington for his junior season. Some early reports have linked Williams to LSU, which could put heavy pressure on Leavitt to make a decision.
NEW: Washington QB Demond Williams plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.https://t.co/Ev9iadrKsM pic.twitter.com/sAXkmSm7M2
— On3 (@On3sports) January 7, 2026
Demond Williams enters portal with Sam Leavitt courtside at the PMAC
The drama is out in full force in Baton Rouge. The news of Williams entering the transfer portal broke as Leavitt was sitting courtside at the LSU men's basketball game with Lane Kiffin and Whit Weeks.
The new guys in town….
— Glen West (@glenwest21) January 7, 2026
Lane Kiffin, Whit Weeks, Sam Leavitt all sitting courtside at the PMAC.#LSU pic.twitter.com/D41zKHj9wp
After missing out on Sorsby, Leavitt has become Kiffin's main target. The former Arizona State gunslinger is ranked as the No. 2 available quarterback in the portal by Saturday Blitz, and is one of the most sought-after players in all of college football. However, the shocking news of Williams entering the portal could shake things up even more, as he will also be intensely pursued by several Power 4 programs.
Not only is LSU in major need of a QB, but Leavitt's dual-threat skill set could fit in very nicely to Kiffin's offensive scheme. At the same time, Williams owns an equally impressive dual-threat skill set, and racked up over 300 more rushing yards than Leavitt in 2025. If Leavitt passes on LSU, Williams is sure to draw plenty of interest from Kiffin and the Tigers.
Kiffin and new LSU offensive coordinator Charlies Weis Jr have a reputation for building elite offenses, and whichever QB chooses LSU figures to be in a great spot. Leavitt has been in Baton Rouge for multiple days now, and it seems to be his job to turn down at this point in time. Williams' decision to enter the portal could force Leavitt to make that decision sooner rather than later.