Sam Leavitt, the top-ranked transfer quarterback, made his debut for Louisiana State University at Tiger Stadium on Saturday, stepping onto the field for the first time since his 2025 season was cut short by foot surgery.
A Strong Start
Leavitt immediately displayed the dual-threat skill set that earned him the No. 1 spot among portal quarterbacks, rushing for 102 yards on 12 carries and punching in two touchdowns while completing 17 of 23 passes for 230 yards and a touchdown through the air.
Although concerns were voiced about his rustiness after missing spring practice and the lingering effects of his foot procedure, the performance quickly quieted those doubts, as his 9.4 yards per carry and 95.0 QBR highlighted a polished blend of mobility and precision.
PFF credited Leavitt with three missed tackles and noted his longest run of 18 yards, while six of his carries exceeded 10 yards, illustrating his ability to break tackles and sustain drives. He also logged a 73.1 adjusted completion rate, underscoring the accuracy of his passing despite limited preparation.
With Winston Watkins also contributing on the field, LSU’s transfer‑heavy offense appears poised to blend veteran experience with fresh talent, setting an optimistic tone for the upcoming season.