A New Chapter in Baton Rouge
Sam Leavitt, the former Arizona State quarterback who led the Sun Devils to a College Football Playoff appearance, made his first public appearance as a Tiger on Thursday evening. The 6‑foot‑3 signal‑caller, who missed the final stretch of the 2025 season due to injury, addressed a small gathering of reporters and fans, outlining the factors that drove his decision to leave Tempe for Baton Rouge.
Leavitt, who finished his three‑year stint at Arizona State with 4,652 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, was the top‑ranked quarterback in the transfer portal. He explained that the opportunity to compete against elite defenders such as Ty Benefield was a major draw, but equally important was LSU’s culture and practice structure.
“The coaching staff here is dedicated, and they treat each player with individual attention,” Leavitt said. “The energy in practice, the fan base, and the tradition of excellence made it clear that LSU was the right place to continue my development.”
He also touched on the transition from the Pac‑12 to the SEC, noting that the intensity of SEC defenses would test him in ways he hadn’t experienced before. “Playing against guys like Ty Benefield will push me to be better every snap,” he added.
Leavitt’s appearance comes as LSU prepares for the upcoming season, hoping to harness his experience and arm strength to bolster an offense that has been seeking a dynamic playmaker. The Tigers’ fan base welcomed the news, eager to see how the former Sun Devils star will fit into the storied program.
While the move marks the end of a successful chapter at Arizona State, Leavitt said he remains grateful for the relationships he built there. “I’ll always cherish the memories at ASU, but I’m excited for what lies ahead at LSU,” he concluded.