LSU Transfer Quarterback Sam Leavitt Declares Himself 100% Healthy: 'I'm Ready to Show What I Can Do'

A New Chapter in Baton Rouge

Sam Leavitt walked into the LSU football facility with a brace on his knee and a question mark over his future. Eight months later, the brace is gone, the question mark has been replaced by an exclamation point, and the Arizona State transfer quarterback is ready to compete for the starting job at one of the most prestigious programs in college football. 'I'm 100 percent healthy,' Leavitt told reporters after LSU's first fall camp practice. 'I'm ready to show what I can do. This is the best I've felt in a long time.'

Leavitt's Journey to LSU

Leavitt's path to LSU was anything but straightforward. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound quarterback started 11 games for Arizona State in 2025, throwing for 2,485 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions while adding 412 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. His dual-threat ability made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the Pac-12, but a shoulder injury suffered late in the season required offseason surgery and forced him to miss spring practice. When Arizona State underwent a coaching change, Leavitt entered the transfer portal and quickly became the most sought-after quarterback in the 2026 cycle. LSU, which had been searching for a quarterback with mobility to complement returning starter Garrett Nussmeier's pocket-passing style, won the recruiting battle.

The Quarterback Competition

Leavitt's arrival creates one of the most intriguing quarterback competitions in the SEC. Garrett Nussmeier, who started 13 games for LSU in 2025, is the incumbent and has the trust of the coaching staff. The 6-foot-4 senior threw for 3,420 yards and 27 touchdowns last season, but his lack of mobility was exposed against elite defenses like Alabama and Georgia. Leavitt provides a完全不同 (entirely different) skill set. His ability to extend plays with his legs and create outside the structure of the offense gives LSU's offensive coordinator a dimension that Nussmeier cannot provide. Brian Kelly has indicated that both quarterbacks will see playing time in the season opener against Rice, with the competition likely extending into the season.

'We have two starting-caliber quarterbacks,' Kelly said. 'That's a good problem to have. Sam has shown us in camp that he's fully recovered, and his athleticism adds a new element to our offense. Garrett has been here and knows the system. We're going to let both of them compete, and the best player will play.'

What Leavitt Brings to LSU

Leavitt's game is built on his ability to create. He has a strong arm — he threw for over 300 yards four times in 2025 — but his real weapon is his legs. Leavitt averaged 5.8 yards per carry at Arizona State and was particularly effective on designed quarterback runs and scrambles on third down. His addition gives LSU's offense a flexibility that it lacked in 2025. The Tigers struggled on third-and-short situations, converting just 42% of third-and-3-or-less opportunities. Leavitt's ability to run the quarterback draw or scramble for a first down could significantly improve that number.

Defensively, Leavitt's mobility forces opponents to prepare for a different type of offense. 'You can't just sit back in zone coverage and expect to contain him,' one SEC defensive coordinator said. 'He can beat you with his arm, but he can also beat you with his legs. That makes him a nightmare to prepare for.'

Impact on LSU's 2026 Season

If Leavitt wins the starting job or plays significant snaps, LSU's ceiling could be higher than many expect. The Tigers' schedule is manageable by SEC standards — they avoid Alabama and Georgia in the regular season — and their defense has been rebuilt around coordinator Blake Baker's aggressive scheme. A dual-threat quarterback who can extend drives and create explosive plays could be the difference between a 9-3 season and a playoff berth. For LSU, the quarterback competition is a luxury. For Leavitt, it's an opportunity to prove that he belongs on the biggest stage in college football.

What This Means for CFB 27

In College Football 27, Sam Leavitt's transfer to LSU is reflected in the game's roster update. His card features 85 speed, 88 acceleration, and 83 throwing power — making him one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in the game. For Dynasty players, Leavitt is a must-target in the transfer portal if you're running an offense that relies on quarterback mobility. In Ultimate Team, Leavitt's card is a valuable asset for players who prefer a mobile quarterback style, and his health update could be reflected in a future promo card with boosted durability ratings.