A quarterback from a Power Four program has been recognized as the top returning quarterback in college football. As the NCAA transfer portal approaches its closing deadline, several players are making moves to secure better opportunities for the upcoming season. The portal opened on January 2 and will close at midnight on Friday.
Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, thousands of players have entered the portal, including several prominent quarterbacks. Among the first to announce his transfer was former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt, who committed to LSU on Monday. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches and weighing 205 pounds, Leavitt began his college football career at Michigan State under coach Mel Tucker in 2023. He played in four games, completing 15 of 23 passes for 139 yards, along with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 67 yards.
After Tucker”s mid-season firing, Leavitt decided to enter the transfer portal following the end of the season. He made the switch to Arizona State in the 2024 offseason, where he excelled by throwing for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only six interceptions. He also rushed for 443 yards and five touchdowns, leading the Sun Devils to a Big 12 Championship victory and their inaugural College Football Playoff appearance. His remarkable performance earned him several accolades, including the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year award and a place on the All-Big 12 Second Team. Leavitt”s 3,328 total yards are the most recorded by a freshman in Arizona State history.
Unfortunately, an injury limited Leavitt”s participation in the 2025 season to seven games, during which he passed for 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while also rushing for 306 yards and five touchdowns. As the season concluded, those close to him began exploring options, prompting his entry into the transfer portal.
According to a source from Rivals, an anonymous general manager in the Power Four identified Leavitt as the top returning quarterback for the 2026 season. Leavitt has been secured as the starter for LSU, although head coach Lane Kiffin has also recruited quarterbacks Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark, who will compete for the starting position in the future.
In summary, Sam Leavitt has made headlines with his impressive journey through college football, culminating in his recognition as the top returning quarterback and his commitment to LSU for the upcoming season.
