Sam Leavitt to LSU: Can He Become the Top QB Prospect in College Football?

The landscape of college football is shifting, and all eyes are currently fixed on Baton Rouge. The LSU Tigers are shaping up to be one of the most anticipated programs this upcoming season, not just because of their tradition, but because of a bold strategic overhaul that could redefine their trajectory.

After a pivotal transition at the end of last season, the Tigers parted ways with Brian Kelly and brought in the offensive mastermind Lane Kiffin. Kiffin, who left a legacy of success at Ole Miss with a 55-19 record and a historic playoff berth, is known for transforming quarterbacks into superstars. Now, he has a new project to ignite: Sam Leavitt.

The Arrival of a Powerhouse: Sam Leavitt

LSU didn’t just enter the transfer portal; they dominated it, securing the No. 1 transfer class in the nation. The crown jewel of this recruitment is undoubtedly Sam Leavitt, the former Arizona State Sun Devils signal-caller.

Leavitt arrives in the SEC with a proven track record of high-stakes success. His 2024 campaign was nothing short of spectacular, where he posted impressive numbers that caught the attention of scouts nationwide:

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• Passing Yards: 2,885
• Touchdowns: 24
• Interceptions: Only 6
• Achievements: Led Arizona State to a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth.

While a challenging 2025 season—marred by injuries that limited him to just seven games—kept him out of the immediate spotlight, the underlying talent remains undisputed.

The ‘Dark Horse’ for the NFL Draft

While many analysts are focused on household names like Arch Manning and Dante Moore, renowned NFL draft expert Todd McShay believes the world is sleeping on Sam Leavitt. Speaking on ‘The Ryen Russillo Show’, McShay dropped a bombshell prediction, suggesting that Leavitt could potentially emerge as the best quarterback in the upcoming draft class.

Despite not currently appearing in the top-10 rankings on some platforms, the move to LSU provides Leavitt with the perfect stage to erase doubts. Under Kiffin’s offensive guidance and surrounded by an elite roster of talent, Leavitt has the opportunity to transform from a regional star into a national phenomenon.

Roadblocks and Opportunities

For Leavitt to reach the pinnacle of the NFL Draft, two factors will be critical: health and consistency. After his premature exit last season, he must prove that his peak performance is sustainable over a grueling SEC schedule.

However, the allure of this pairing is the potential for an explosive breakout. Leavitt doesn’t need to enter the season as the favorite; he simply needs to outperform expectations. If he recaptures the magic of 2024, he won’t just enter the conversation for the top QB spot—he might just seize it entirely.

Will Sam Leavitt be the missing piece for LSU’s championship puzzle? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for one of the most exciting storylines in college football.