Monday morning delivered the news that Tiger fans have been waiting for, as Sam Leavitt committed to LSU for the 2026 season. The former Arizona State QB is ranked as the No. 2 quarterback on the market according to Saturday Blitz, and Lane Kiffin now has his QB1 for his first season in Baton Rouge.
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Leavitt ultimately chose the Tigers in what came down to a contentious 3-team battle between LSU, Tennessee, and Miami (FL). Kiffin's recruitment of Leavitt wasn't always a smooth ride, but he gets the job done and lands the talented dual-threat playmaker. Leavitt's arrival in Baton Rouge gives LSU fans plenty to be fired up about heading into the 2026 season.
However, despite Leavitt's commitment to LSU, the Tennessee Volunteers haven't given up their fight to bring Leavitt to Knoxville.
Tennessee remains in pursuit of Sam Leavitt despite LSU commitment
According to On3, Tennessee and Leavitt's camp have been in regular contact throughout Monday, with the Vols remaining in pursuit of his services. On3 also reports that Tennessee wasn't made aware of his decision to attend LSU.
NEW: Tennessee and Sam Leavitt’s camp have been in regular contact throughout Monday, and the Volunteers were never told he was going to LSU, @PeteNakos reports👀
— On3 (@On3sports) January 12, 2026
The Vols are compiling one final offer.
Intel: https://t.co/4bT4ebtKER https://t.co/wyZYPPcXkf pic.twitter.com/ltGbOY0l07
While this development could be worrisome for Tiger fans, it still seems unlikely that Leavitt ends up in Knoxville at this time. It would take an awful lot to flip Leavitt in the portal, and LSU remains an ideal landing spot for his skill set.
Kiffin is an offensive mastermind, and new LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. has shown he can produce elite results with mobile QBs. Together at Ole Miss, Kiffin and Weis turned Jaxson Dart into a First Round draft pick and led Trinidad Chambliss to a sensational 2025 campaign. Leavitt has First Round pick written all over him, and gives LSU's offense endless exciting possibilities for 2026.
After having zero scholarship quarterbacks on the roster just 2 days ago, LSU's QB room now features a pair of dynamic gunslingers. Prior to landing Leavitt, LSU signed Elon QB Landen Clark over the weekend. Clark was an FCS All-American this past season as a redshirt freshman, throwing for 2,231 yards and 18 touchdowns with 8 interceptions while adding 614 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. He chose LSU over offers from Kentucky, Michigan, and James Madison, and has 3 years of eligibility remaining.