Something tells us that Mario Cristobal is not too happy right now. In some unfortunate news for the Miami Hurricanes, the program's presumed No. 1 transfer portal target is headed elsewhere. On Monday, breaking news came in that Sam Leavitt has committed to LSU.
Miami gets brutal Sam Leavitt news with Lane Kiffin getting his wish after all
Pete Thamel was the one to break things here, which was something the Miami faithful were hoping to avoid. Leavitt just wrapped up his official visit in Coral Gables over the weekend and plenty of us thought the Canes were in the driver's seat to land him.
So, now what for Miami? From our chair, it seems like the Canes may need to go all-in to get Ty Simpson to pull his name out of the NFL Draft conversation. On Sunday, it was reported via Colin Gay that Miami has put a deal worth up to $6.5 million on the table for Simpson for next season. Might that number go up with Leavitt spurning Cristobal to play for Lane Kiffin?
Sources: Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt is expected to sign with LSU. Leavitt’s pick comes after trips to Kentucky, Tennessee and Miami. He led ASU to the College Football Playoff in 2024 and has 4,652 career passing yards and 36 touchdowns. pic.twitter.com/sAol6XDodc
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 12, 2026
Miami football may be forced to go all-in for Ty Simpson with Sam Leavitt off to LSU
Cristobal and Co. had to feel pretty good about signing Leavitt after this weekend, especially with Kiffin and the Tigers bringing in Husan Longstreet for a visit. That seemed to indicate that maybe, just maybe Liffin was accepting defeat and Leavitt was either going to pick Miami or Tennessee.
Instead, plenty of people have been left a bit shocked by this development. There's no time to lose sleep for Miami, however, as Cristobal surely has a backup plan in place and he can relax a bit knowing that his team is also playing for the CFP title next Monday night.
With all of that said, it seems like all eyes are going to now shift to Simpson, who has a massive decision to make. Remember last year when Carson Beck was expected to go to the NFL, but he entered the portal at the last minute?
That decision turned out pretty well for Beck, as he's been a rockstar in Miami this year and he's one win away from capturing the natty glory. Could the same be on the way for Simpson? That's unknown, but if the Canes miss out on him too, we're not sure who Cristobal would then go after.