Lane Kiffin and LSU remain active in the transfer portal, yet the Tigers are still searching for their quarterback for the 2026 season.
LSU recently hosted former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, but he ultimately committed to Texas Tech, signing a reported $5 million deal — one of the largest NIL agreements in college football to date.
Kiffin and his staff have since shifted their attention to Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. The former Sun Devil is now ranked as the top overall player in the transfer portal, not just the top quarterback. That distinction, combined with Sorsby’s payday, likely makes Leavitt’s asking price significant.
For what it’s worth, Leavitt’s current NIL valuation sits at $3.1 million, according to On3.
In what appeared to be a positive sign for LSU, Leavitt was spotted sitting court side next to Kiffin during the Tigers’ men’s basketball game against South Carolina on January 6.
While the public appearance certainly caught attention, nothing is guaranteed in today’s college football landscape.
Sam Leavitt Sets Another Visit With SEC Team
After leaving Baton Rouge, Leavitt will remain within the SEC. According to Volsquest’s Austin Price, he is scheduled to visit Tennessee on January 7 for a multi-day visit.
“Tennessee is looking for an experienced signal caller heading into next season after Joey Aguilar finished his eligibility,” Price wrote. “Aguilar is still waiting to see if he can win an appeal for another year of eligibility. With no clarity in that situation, Leavitt becomes a priority for Tennessee.”
Leavitt would be a significant addition for the Volunteers, not only because of his talent but also because he has two years of eligibility remaining. Still, Tennessee would face stiff competition from LSU, even with a strong NIL operation of its own.
Was Sam Leavitt Duped by LSU?
There may be another factor complicating Leavitt’s decision. Shortly after he was spotted with Kiffin in Baton Rouge, Washington quarterback Demond Williams Jr. unexpectedly entered the transfer portal.
Williams’ decision stunned much of the college football world, as he had reportedly signed a new deal with Washington just days earlier. According to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and Chris Hummer, Williams is now considered a top target for LSU.
That connection is rooted in Williams’ history with Kiffin. He originally committed to Ole Miss in December 2022 before decommitting in July 2023. Williams eventually landed at Arizona, then transferred to Washington for the 2024 season, where he’s threw for 4,009 yards, 33 touchdowns and nine interceptions in two years.
However, a potential move to LSU may not be straightforward. Williams’ recently signed agreement with Washington is expected to lead to legal pushback from the program, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
“Washington sources say they are prepared to pursue all legal avenues to enforce Demond Williams’ signed contract,” Thamel reported.
The Athletic also reported that Washington has “no intention” of releasing Williams from the agreement he signed.
For now, Williams’ link to LSU remains speculative. But the timing of his portal entry — coming as Leavitt continues to take visits — adds another layer of intrigue to LSU’s quarterback search. How it all plays out could significantly shape the Tigers’ future at the position.
Sam Leavitt’s Courtside Moment With Lane Kiffin Sparks LSU QB Speculation