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Sam Leavitt is wrapping up his transfer portal stay after leaving Arizona State. The quarterback is planning to play for LSU next season, though his recruitment is still fluid.
The Tigers landed Leavitt’s commitment on Monday after a string of campus visits. SEC rival Tennessee is reportedly still in play.
Leavitt is one of the top transfer passers on the market this offseason. Across two seasons in Tempe, he threw for more than 4,500 yards while leading the Sun Devils to a conference title and College Football Playoff appearance.
He opted to move on from the program after his sophomore year. His asking price was expected to be high.
Sam Leavitt committed to LSU.
He’d taken a visit to Baton Rouge in early January. That trip was made awkward by unexpected recruiting events.
Reports linking Washington quarterback Demond Williams to LSU surfaced while Leavitt was on campus. There were doubts as to whether he was the program’s top target.
The signal caller took trips to Tennessee and Miami soon thereafter. The Vols made an impression. In the end, it wasn’t enough to secure his pledge.
Williams stayed at Washington. Leavitt committed to LSU on Monday. That decision reportedly blindsided the Tennessee staff, who had been in continued conversation with the passer throughout the week.
Tennessee and Sam Leavitt’s camp have been in regular contact throughout Monday, and the Volunteers were never told he was going to LSU.
-Pete Nakos / On3 Sports
The Vols are said to be compiling one final offer to lure Leavitt to Knoxville.
The QB’s price has never been higher.
Quality quarterbacks are at a premium this offseason. As a result, the asking price for top transfers is high.
Brendan Sorsby received a reported $5 million to sign with Texas Tech. Alabama’s Ty Simpson is being offered $6.5 million despite declaring for the NFL Draft.
Sam Leavitt’s stock is as high as both of those prospects, and any other quarterback currently on the market. His ability to leverage his LSU commitment will only drive the price higher.
Sources have told On3 that the price range to land Leavitt has approached the $4 to $5 million range.
Tennessee is desperate for a quarterback addition this offseason. Last year’s starter Joey Aguilar’s status for 2026 is still undetermined. The Vols need experience under center.
The same is true for LSU. That should only play into Leavitt’s negotiation position.
Should Tennessee respond with an offer Leavitt prefers, Lane Kiffin will undoubtedly answer.
By locking in his spot at LSU, he not only secures a new landing spot, but he can squeeze the Vols and Tigers for every cent possible with the threat of a flip.