SEC Assistant Coach Doesn't Fear LSU QB Sam Leavitt

Not everyone respects the skill level of LSU Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) looks over at the sidelines during the first day of fall practice in Tempe, Ariz. on July 30, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

LSU Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt was seen by some as the No. 1-ranked available player in the transfer portal earlier this year.,

However, it appears that not everyone in the SEC is as fearful as you'd expect going up against the supposed top transfer of the offseason.

An anonymous SEC defensive coordinator told ESPN's Adam Rittenburg that he would feel more comfortable facing Leavitt than going up against former Vanderbilt star quarterback Diego Pavia, a comment that's clearly meant as a jab at LSU's new signal-caller.

Sam Leavitt Ripped by Anonymous SEC Defensive Coordinator

Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"He's not the talent level that a normal LSU quarterback would be," the defenisve coordinator told Rittenburg. "If (LSU has success), it's going to be because they got him going in the system. He doesn't freak you out when you watch him, but he is dangerous at times. I would rather play him than Diego Pavia."

Pavia was an elite player at Vanderbilt, but he wasn't exactly the most dangerous quarterback in the country and was seen as a more of a scrappy competitor than a highly-skilled passer. That said, he still strikes more fear into a defense than Leavitt, at least according to the anonymous defensive coordinator.

An interesting way to slight Leavitt, but a slight nonetheless, and one that Leavitt should use as fuel headed into the season. If only he knew which defensive coordinator made the comments, and if that team is even on LSU's schedule this year.

As the new starting quarterback at LSU, Leavitt certainly does have an elite standard to uphold. Over the past decade, the Tigers have been blessed with Heisman Trophy winners like Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels along with an elite quarterback in Garrett Nussmeier.

Even if Leavitt has a solid first season in Baton Rouge this fall, his success will be measured against the quarterbacks that came before him.

Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) warms up before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The most recent version of Leavitt at Arizona State last year featured an injury-plauged season that saw him only play in seven games.

But prior to that, he helped lead Arizona State to a Big 12 Championship title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024.

Sure, he had NFL talent in Cam Skattebo and Jordyn Tyson alongside him, but Leavitt earned national respect that season after throwing for nearly 2,900 yards along with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.

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