What Lane Kiffin Has Noticed About New QB Sam Leavitt During Fall Camp

After a massive portal attack from Lane Kiffin this offseason, highlighted by the No. 1 quarterback Sam Leavitt from ASU, brings a new set of faces to Tiger Stadium this season.

With fall quickly approaching, the Tigers are wrapping up their final weeks of fall camp, with transfer stars continuing to emerge in position groups and impress coaches.

Including offensive leader Leavitt, who has finally been able to reach his full potential this August with his new offense. This has been widely recognized by his new coaching staff, including Kiffin.

Kiffin Is Finally Happy

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin — Jul 23, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

During the post-practice interviews with Kiffin on Thursday, he was asked if Leavitt has surprised him or if he's been able to learn anything from the transfer this fall camp.

This fall camp has been the first time Leavitt's been in full swing with his offense, after fully recovering from a season-ending ankle injury last year with the Sundevils late this summer.

"Going through spring where he couldn't really push off and move around, that's hard to throw........ as much as I disliked it at the time, kinda has been awesome because now you see all these things," said Kiffin.

No coach wants his starting quarterback at half speed, especially for the first practices coming into a brand new program with lofty expectations riding on his back.

But being patient has now led to the product of what the Tigers saw in the offensive leader when recruiting, as Leavitt has matched - and maybe even succeeded - his expected abilities.

"Now you see all these things, they're new. We'd seen them on film, and then they were gone, and then they came back," said Kiffin.

It might not have been the most ideal spot for the team to be in during spring ball, but now that the season is ramping up, so is Leavitt.

The Excitment

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt — ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt speaks to the media after the team held their first day of practice at Camp Tontozona on Aug. 6, 2025. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Leavitt has been maximizing his drill reps in practice, being able to get quick passes to his tight end group, forming an elite duo with starting tight end Trey'Dez Green, and getting more comfortable with the crowded wide receiver group that also joins the roster as transfers.

He continues to grow the excitement each practice, looking like he's ready to take the drills into game-time scoring production plays. Everyone feels it, including Kiffin.

"I'm excited to see him play. I just want to get everyone else to make enough plays around him," said Kiffin.

Now that he's had the green light to showcase his talents in Baton Rouge, it's about being able to form an identity on the offense that will bring his talents to the next level. It all comes down to these next two weeks before Leavitt and his offense take the big stage.

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