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By Jordan Sigler
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Despite head coach Kenny Dillingham choosing to remain at Arizona State amid interest from more prestigious programs like Michigan, quarterback Sam Leavitt decided to transfer from the program after the 2025 campaign.
Leavitt, who led ASU to a Big 12 championship and College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, was a prized quarterback in the transfer portal. He chose to sign with LSU and their new head coach Lane Kiffin, who was unable to get Trinidad Chambliss to transfer from Ole Miss.
An SEC defensive coordinator has harsh words for Leavitt. He told ESPN's Adam Rittenberg that Leavitt is not the caliber of quarterback the Tigers usually have under center.
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"He's not the talent level that a normal LSU quarterback would be," the coach said. "If they (have success), it's going to be because they got him going in the system. He doesn't freak you out when you watch him, but he is dangerous at times. I would rather play him than Diego Pavia."
Leavitt has experience playing against an SEC team during his time at ASU. He went 24/46 passing for 222 yards and one interception in the Sun Devils' 39-31 loss to Texas in the College Football Playoff semifinal for the 2024 campaign. That season, he threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. He added 443 yards and five scores on the ground.
Leavitt played through a foot injury last season before his season ended against Houston on Oct. 25. He could be poised for a big season if he can learn Kiffin's system.
Kiffin helped Jaxson Dart become a first-round pick in the 2025 draft by the New York Giants. Former Division II quarterback Trinidad Chambliss had a stellar year with Ole Miss last season.
Leavitt will have better surrounding talent around him at LSU than he had at Arizona State. However, he'll face much tougher defenses in the SEC.
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