$3.1 million QB named No. 1 returning quarterback in college football

The NCAA transfer portal for college football players is closing after a two-week window that began on January 2. Thousands of players entered the portal following the 2025 season, including notable quarterbacks from Power Four conferences. Among them is Sam Leavitt, who transferred from Arizona State to LSU. Leavitt, who has two years of eligibility remaining, began his college career at Michigan State before moving to Arizona State, where he achieved significant success.

Leavitt's performance at Arizona State included leading the team to a Big 12 Championship and their first College Football Playoff appearance. He earned accolades such as Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year and All-Big 12 Second Team honors. Despite an injury-shortened 2025 season, Leavitt was considered a top prospect in the transfer portal and was ranked the top returning quarterback for 2026 by a Power Four general manager, as reported by Rivals' Cody Bellaire.

Leavitt will be the starter for LSU