No. 1 transfer portal QB named ‘biggest wildcard’ quarterback in college football

LSU's 2025 football season concluded with a disappointing 7–6 record, leading to the dismissal of head coach Brian Kelly in late October after several SEC losses, including a significant 49–25 defeat to Texas A&M. LSU promptly hired Lane Kiffin as the new head coach on November 30, 2025. Kiffin began restructuring the team by revamping the coaching staff and utilizing the transfer portal to enhance LSU’s roster for an immediate impact.

With starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier heading to the NFL, Kiffin secured Sam Leavitt from the transfer portal, who was considered the top available quarterback. Leavitt chose LSU over other programs like Miami, Tennessee, and Kentucky, marking a major acquisition in the transfer cycle. His past performance includes a standout 2024 season at Arizona State, where he achieved a 61.7% completion rate, 2,885 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and led the team to a Big