Sam Leavitt, regarded as the No. 1 player in the transfer portal, navigated a complex recruitment process following a foot injury that sidelined him for the end of the last season. Despite being a top talent with impressive stats, schools had mixed reviews due to health concerns and high recruitment costs, pushing many to pursue other quarterback options. After facing stiff competition, Leavitt ultimately secured a spot at LSU, marking it as a pivotal moment for the team as they embark on a new era under Coach Lane Kiffin.

By the Numbers
  • Threw for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns during the 2025 season.
  • 16-4 as a starting quarterback in his college career.
  • Recruitment cost peaked at over $4 million for Leavitt, compared to $1.5-$2.5 million for other quarterbacks.
Yes, But

Despite his talent, Leavitt's health and the mixed reviews he received from Arizona State staff presented significant hurdles, which complicated his recruitment journey significantly.

State of Play
  • Leavitt was initially viewed as a high-risk investment due to his injury.
  • LSU faced competition as teams like Texas Tech, Miami, and others pursued different quarterback options.
  • Oregon's interest in other quarterbacks pushed Leavitt down some priority lists.
What's Next

Leavitt’s commitment to LSU positions the team favorably for the upcoming season, but it remains to be seen how he will perform post-injury in a high-stakes environment under new coaching leadership.

Bottom Line

Sam Leavitt’s recruitment reflects the unpredictable nature of transfer portal dynamics, exemplifying that talent alone isn’t enough; health concerns and financial implications significantly shape decisions in the competitive landscape of college football.