LSU’s quarterback room for the 2026 season is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines in college football, as the program welcomes three new transfers who could reshape its offensive outlook.
Sam Leavitt arrives in Baton Rouge after a injury‑marred stint at his previous school, carrying with him the promise of a fully healthy arm and the chance to compete for playing time.
The foot injury that sidelined Leavitt for much of the spring has been a focal point of the team’s medical staff, who are optimistic that he will be cleared in time for the season opener against Clemson on September 5.
Joining him are Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark, two quarterbacks whose collegiate résumés are modest but whose potential has sparked optimism among the coaching staff.
Longstreet, who threw just 15 passes in four games for USC in 2025, brings a raw arm and a willingness to learn, while Clark, the Colonial Athletic Association Co‑Offensive Rookie of the Year at Elon, impressed with a 10‑of‑16 performance against Duke that included 101 yards and a rushing touchdown.
Both players have shown flashes of inconsistency during spring practice, a reality that reflects their limited exposure to high‑level competition and the steep learning curve presented by Lane Kiffin’s offense.
The Battle for the Backup Role
The upcoming preseason camp will serve as the crucible in which the coaching staff decides whether Longstreet or Clark will earn the primary backup designation, a decision that could influence the team’s depth chart heading into the Clemson matchup.
Coach Kiffin’s familiarity with the starting quarterback allows him to allocate ample reps to the two contenders, using each practice session to assess decision‑making, footwork, and chemistry with the surrounding talent.
Beyond the immediate depth chart, the evaluation of these transfers carries longer‑term implications for LSU’s offensive identity, as the program seeks to blend proven experience with fresh, adaptable arms.
The stakes extend beyond the field, touching on the broader narrative of how transfer portal moves are reshaping college football rosters, a story that will continue to unfold as the season progresses.