LSU Head Coach Lane Kiffin Reveals Sam Leavitt Injury Update
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LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin will be tasked with launching a new era at the program starting in 2026 following his late-November hiring.
Kiffin got things started on Wednesday by providing a key injury update on quarterback Sam Leavitt during his National Signing Day press conference.
Leavitt, the presumed starter heading into the 2026 season, transferred from Arizona State after a standout two-year run with the Sun Devils, but remains limited as spring practice nears.
The signal caller suffered a foot injury during the 2025 campaign that ultimately required season-ending surgery.
Though Leaviatt’s recovery is progressing, Kiffin confirmed that the Tigers staff will take a conservative approach to his comeback, making it clear that no timeline is set in stone for his full return.
“Sam will be able to throw some and participate in 7-on-7,” Kiffin said. “But probably not the team stuff.”
The former Sun Devils quarterback arrives at Baton Rouge with high expectations. Over two seasons at Arizona State, Leavitt completed 361-of-589 passes for 4,513 yards and 34 touchdowns with only nine interceptions, adding 749 rushing yards and 10 more scores on the ground.
Leavitt’s dual-threat skill set helped him lead the Sun Devils program to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, with the last two seasons ending in losses at the Peach and Sun bowls, respectively.
New: Arizona State transfer QB Sam Leavitt signed with LSU.
He’s coming off an injury that cut short his 2025 season.
The latest injury update: Kiffin said he will “throw” and do “7-on-7”, but probably not participate in “team stuff” this spring.
➡️: https://t.co/NQBvX5uk6Spic.twitter.com/9HyIEqVqAr
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) February 4, 2026
With Leavitt unavailable for full-team drills, LSU will rely heavily on its two other additions at the position, both through the transfer portal: former USC five-star Husan Longstreet and Elon transfer Landen Clark.
Longstreet redshirted in 2025 after arriving at USC as the No. 4 quarterback prospect in the recruiting class, per 247Sports Composite. Clark, meanwhile, started at Elon and threw for 2,321 yards and 18 touchdowns last season, rushing for another 614 yards and 11 scores.
Kiffin praised the quarterback trio’s talent and their willingness to compete on the same roster instead of pursuing more open opportunities elsewhere.
“I think that’s really the thing I’m most proud of — being able to (add multiple transfers) at the quarterback position,” Kiffin said. “Three guys that are really talented, different styles of players, and it says a lot about them to come to the same place.”
LSU opens spring training in March and has its season opener scheduled for Sept. 5 in a matchup against Clemson.
Related: Lane Kiffin Sends Clear Message After LSU Signs Nation’s No. 1 Transfer Portal Class
Related: Nation’s No. 1 Quarterback Joins Arch Manning With Blockbuster NIL Deal
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 5, 2026, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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