Miami's search for its next quarterback took a hit Monday, with Arizona State transfer Sam Leavitt expected to sign with LSU after a portal tour that included trips to Miami, Tennessee and Kentucky.
Leavitt, widely viewed as the top quarterback in the transfer portal this cycle, had been a name to watch for the Hurricanes in the days after they reached the College Football Playoff national championship game.
BREAKING: Arizona State transfer QB Sam Leavitt has committed to LSU, @PeteNakos and @Hayesfawcett3 report🐯https://t.co/U31NaOwnr0 pic.twitter.com/1tnilf3O5W
— On3 (@On3sports) January 12, 2026
Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt transfers to LSU
Leavitt has thrown for 4,652 passing yards and 36 touchdowns in his career. He has also logged 816 rushing yards and 10 rushing scores in college.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin needed a starter with Garrett Nussmeier out of eligibility. Leavitt visited LSU on Jan. 5-6, before continuing his tour.
Leavitt scheduled his Miami trip one day after the Hurricanes punched their ticket to the national title game.
He spent the past two seasons at Arizona State and played his way into the conversation as one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the portal. In 2024, Leavitt led the Sun Devils to the Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance, throwing for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in 13 games.
Leavitt's 2025 season ended after seven games because of a foot injury that required surgery. Before he was shut down, he completed 60.7% of his passes for 1,628 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.
Leavitt began his college career at Michigan State in 2023 before transferring to Arizona State. He attempted 23 passes as a freshman. He has two seasons of eligibility remaining.
The Hurricanes will now stay in the market for their next QB. It's getting pretty late in the process with the transfer portal closing on Jan. 16, but Miami remains one of the top destinations for any QB left.