Jul 2, 2026, 1:04 AM CUT

Paul Finebaum names top SEC transfer QB who could turn things around

Jan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Paul Finebaum in attendance of the Mississippi Rebels against the Miami Hurricanes in the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum recently talked about the game-changer for the LSU Tigers this coming season. The Tigers have made changes to their coaching staff, bringing in 11 new staff members, many from the Ole Miss Rebels.

However, the former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin's arrival was the most notable one of the lot. The same Kiffin has now brought in a highly touted name to LSU in quarterback Sam Leavitt. Finebaum strongly believes in Leavitt's abilities.

"I think Sam Leavitt is the key to it all," said Finebaum.

Credits: Via IMAGO,NCAA, College League, USA Football 2025: Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl CFP Quarterfinal Texas vs Arizona State JAN 01 January 1, 2025: Sam Leavitt (10) of Arizona State during the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl - a CFP Quarterfinal - featuring the 5 seed Texas Longhorns vs 4 seed Arizona State Sun Devils, played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Texas survives double-OT with a 39-31 win over Arizona State. Cecil Copeland CSM(Credit Image: Cecil Copeland Cal Media) Atlanta Georgia United States of America EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20250101_faf_c04_058 CecilxCopelandx csmphotothree339778

Finebaum's comment on the June 30 episode of the ESPN College Football podcast shows his faith in the Oregon-born talent. Leavitt's reputation as a player precedes him. He has previously played for both the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Michigan State Spartans. In his career, he has completed 61.4% of his passes for 4,652 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Leavitt was also instrumental in leading Arizona State to its first Big 12 championship. He also helped them secure a berth in the College Football Playoff. Leavitt joined the LSU Tigers in January 2026 by transferring from Arizona State.

He was the top-ranked quarterback in the transfer portal, and he committed to head coach Kiffin's LSU after taking visits to Miami Hurricanes, Kentucky Wildcats, and Tennessee Volunteers.

LSU wrapped last season with a 7-6 overall record and 3-5 in the SEC.

As Leavitt will be replacing Garrett Nussmeier, expectations are naturally at an all-time high. He is already doing everything to work on his physicality before the season commences.

Sam Leavitt puts on weight ahead of the 2026 season

Leavitt knows the tough road that lies ahead. It's been almost seven years since the Tigers won their last championship. Naturally, after the success Leavitt has enjoyed in his prior programs, he wants to succeed at LSU as well.

According to 247 Sports’ Zack Nagy, Leavitt has been growing a lot in the weight room as well. The Arizona transfer has put on considerable body mass over the last two months.

"#LSU signed the No. 1 overall transfer in the portal this offseason: Sam Leavitt. Lane Kiffin’s newest weapon has lived in the weight room while rehabbing in Baton Rouge - adding 11 pounds to his frame. 2025: 6’2, 205 pounds 2026: 6’2, 216 pounds Fully cleared. Ready to roll," wrote Nagy on June 28.

Leavitt's momentous rise saw him become one of the top quarterbacks till injury issues cost him the season. The Lisfranc injury occurred in September 2025, during his time at Arizona State in a game against Baylor.

He underwent surgery for it in November. Now he is healed and ready to show his growth. Lane Kiffin will be especially keen to see him play at his full strength.

LSU will kick-start its season with a game against the Clemson Tigers on September 5th. Do you think Leavitt will prove to be the catalyst for LSU in the upcoming season? Let us know in the comments.

Written by

Sourav Ganguly

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar