May 3, 2026, 4:43 PM CUT

Sam Leavitt Update Puts LSU's $91 Million Gamble in Jeopardy

Head Coach Lane Kiffin has left the University of Mississippi's Ole Miss Rebels after six seasons, after he was offered a seven-year contract worth $91 million. However, the transfer quarterback from Arizona State, whom he relied on, has missed most of spring practices, leading to concerns about LSU's decision.

Sam Leavitt used a transfer portal to play his senior year with the LSU Tigers. But he has been facing injuries since September 2025. He first underwent surgery on the right foot (Lisfranc joint) in October. Then he got the pins and screws removed this season, in early April, missing nine spring practices.

Leavitt did eventually return for drills, but with limited activity, raising concerns around his long-term fitness and Kiffin's huge contract with LSU. Analyst Cole Cubelic on The Solid Verbal podcast shared his thoughts, as he stated:

"Sam Leavitt is super talented," Cubelic said. "What I'd be worried about is your quarterback getting healthy right now? And the injury that he has had worked on more than once at times has been recurring. That would be one of my bigger question marks this year."

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

Cubelic added, "Not, is Sam Leavitt healthy now, it's, can he stay healthy?" He said, given the financial support behind it and the credibility of the new hire, that such a combination had produced success before.

Kiffin brought his offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis Jr., from Ole Miss, along with a few more staff members. Regarding Leavitt, Kiffin has said that he is "ahead of schedule" and expects him to be fully cleared for preseason camp in August.

Sam Leavitt's Injury Puts Lane Kiffin's LSU Rebuild Under Pressure

Technically, LSU has put up more than $140 million for the new hiring of the coach. This includes the $91 million contract of Kiffin and, as reported by CBS, a $54 million buyout for ex-HC Brian Kelly. As a team, LSU aims to compete in the SEC, not rebuild through injuries.

The offensive system Kiffin brought from Ole Miss was tailored for one quarterback, and that quarterback has had two procedures on the same foot.

LSU's QBs, Sophomore Landen Clark and freshman Husan Longstreet, are both early in their development, and Kiffin has not named either as a potential starter. The depth chart situation remains unresolved heading into preseason camp.

Leavitt's ongoing recovery leaves LSU's high-priced transition in a state of limbo.

Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Rudra Dubey