Lane Kiffin Chases Portal QB Sam Leavitt in Knoxville to Fix LSU’s QB Crisis

Louisiana State University finds itself in an uncertain position heading into the 2026 season. Despite being rumored with an abundance of options, the Tigers have failed to sign a quarterback yet.

Lane Kiffin could not wait and let a disaster brew in front of his own eyes. Rather than wait for the transfer portal to change, the head coach has made a bold move that has sent shockwaves across the college football world.

Lane Kiffin meets Sam Leavitt as emergency measure

LSU’s search for a starting quarterback has taken an urgent turn now. After losing Michael Van Buren Jr. to South Florida, the program was linked to several high-profile transfer targets, including Washington’s Demond Williams, Cincinnati’s Brendan Sorsby, and Ole Miss’ Trinidad Chambliss. Unfortunately, none of these pursuits materialized as Sorsby joined Texas Tech instead, and both Williams and Chambliss have opted to stay at their programs.

Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt emerged as a prime option after entering the portal and visiting LSU, but he departed without committing. Leavitt is currently in Knoxville and has Miami on his itinerary next. With time running short and the competition heating up, head coach Lane Kiffin has opted for a bold, hands-on approach. LSU insider Matt Moscona reported on X: “Multiple sources confirm Lane Kiffin is, in fact, in Knoxville to see QB Sam Leavitt.”

This bold move by Lane Kiffin has caught the entire college football world off guard. Head coaches rarely make in-person visits to prospective transfers, but his decision to meet the player exposes the urgency of their situation. The Tigers know that losing a talent like Leavitt will be a mistake, considering their need for an experienced quarterback, and the former Sun Devils quarterback’s immense qualities on the field.

Sam Leavitt: Where could he end up?

Leavitt is being coveted by many big college football programs. The experienced signal-caller threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024, leading Arizona State to the Big 12 Championship. Though his 2025 season was unsatisfactory due to being injured for a long time, he still managed 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns in the 7 games he played.

Leavitt has already visited multiple elite programs who wish to gain his signature. He had visited Kentucky but also did not commit to them. He was going to Texas Tech, but reversed that decision after they signed Brendan Sorsby. The next stop was LSU, but again he did not decide his team. The 21-year-old is currently in Tennessee and will visit Miami soon. No decision or concrete link to any team has been established, so it is an open race for all teams though LSU and Miami are said to be the frontrunners. 

Kiffin and LSU will be hoping their pursuit to convince Leavitt works ahead of next season. It will be a matter of time before the college football world sees a conclusion to LSU’s QB crisis.