LSU Lands Lane Kiffin and 40 Transfers, Eyes 2026 Title Run with QB Sam Leavitt

LSU finished the 2025 season with a 7-6 record and only three SEC victories, leading to the mid‑year dismissal of head coach Brian Kelly. The program sought an immediate upgrade and turned to Kiffin, who had been leading Ole Miss.

The Tigers anticipate 40 incoming transfers for the 2026 campaign, the largest portal haul in recent school history. Sam Leavitt, who transferred from Arizona State, posted a 61.7% completion rate, 2,885 passing yards and 24 touchdowns in 2024 while also adding 443 rushing yards and five scores. Those numbers place him among the top‑tier dual‑threat quarterbacks nationally.

With Kiffin’s offense built around quick, high‑tempo concepts and Leavitt’s ability to extend plays, LSU aims to improve its offensive efficiency and win more SEC games. The influx of transfers is intended to address depth issues on both lines of scrimmage and in the secondary. Success will depend on how quickly the new players integrate and stay healthy.

Watch for spring practice reports and the first depth chart release in early summer to see how the transfers are positioned and whether Leavitt secures the starting role.