BATON ROUGE — Former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt has found a new home, trading the desert for the bayous.
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Sep 13, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt warms up before the game between Arizona State Sun Devils and Texas State Bobcats. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, Leavitt has committed to LSU, as the program adds another experienced quarterback through the transfer portal — a strategy that has become a key part of its championship blueprint.
Leavitt’s time in Tempe was short but meaningful. Under head coach Kenny Dillingham, the quarterback enjoyed success in 2024, helping lead Arizona State to its first Big 12 championship in the program’s first season in the conference.
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) throws a pass against TCU during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Sept. 26, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
That same year marked a breakout campaign for Leavitt. He was named Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year after throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns while adding 443 rushing yards and five rushing scores.
This season was a little different, as the former Sun Devil needed to sit out midway through the year due to a foot injury, and he eventually had surgery on.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) hands off the ball to running back Raleek Brown (3) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The transfer highlights the modern reality of college sports. Arriving in the Valley with expectations of growth and opportunity, Leavitt joined a program working to establish its identity. While he played a role in shaping that identity, the pull of programs offering greater long-term exposure and opportunity was the better choice.
For the Sun Devils, losing a quarterback with Leavitt’s experience and familiarity with the system puts added pressure on the depth chart. Quarterbacks with his combination of speed and accuracy are difficult to replace. At the same time, his resurgence at Arizona State helped make the program more attractive to other players, including two commitments from young, rising talent at the position.
Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates with head coach Kenny Dillingham after their win against TCU Horned Frogs at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images
Arizona State and Leavitt became a national storyline heading into the transfer portal. After Leavitt’s absence from the team’s December banquet, it appeared both sides were no longer fully aligned.
His departure has left many Sun Devils fans wondering where things went wrong and whether behind-the-scenes factors ultimately led to the decision.
BREAKING: Arizona State transfer QB Sam Leavitt has committed to LSU, @PeteNakos and @Hayesfawcett3 report🐯https://t.co/U31NaOwnr0 pic.twitter.com/1tnilf3O5W
— On3 (@On3sports) January 12, 2026
As Arizona State and Leavitt move on from each other this season, both are given the chance for a clean slate as they continue the paths of success they once set together — now away from one another.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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