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Top Transfer QB Leavitt Left Off 2026 Top 10 Rankings
LSU's high-profile offseason addition Sam Leavitt was snubbed from CBS Sports' preseason top QB list, raising the stakes for the Tigers' new signal-caller.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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LSU entered this offseason under a microscope after a disappointing 7-6 season, followed by the high-profile hiring of Lane Kiffin as head coach. The Tigers' offseason moves, including the addition of top transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt, have been heavily scrutinized. However, Leavitt was surprisingly left off CBS Sports' preseason top 10 quarterback rankings, sparking debate over the program's offseason and the new QB narrative.
Why it matters
Leavitt was billed as the centerpiece of LSU's impressive transfer portal haul, and his move to Baton Rouge was meant to be a statement. Being left off a high-profile preseason list won't change his on-field abilities, but it does raise the stakes for Leavitt and the Tigers as they look to turn potential into wins under Kiffin's leadership.
The details
Sam Leavitt, a highly touted four-star recruit, saw limited action at Michigan State in 2023 before transferring to Arizona State, where he broke out as the Sun Devils' starter in 2024. He led ASU to an 11-3 record and the program's first-ever College Football Playoff berth that season, throwing for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns against six interceptions, while adding 443 rushing yards and five scores on the ground. However, Leavitt's 2025 season was less prolific due to a lingering foot injury that eventually required surgery. After visiting with other schools, Leavitt officially signed with LSU on Jan. 12, 2026.
- Leavitt entered the transfer portal as the No. 1 transfer signal-caller in 2026.
- Leavitt officially signed with LSU on Jan. 12, 2026.
- CBS Sports' Tom Fornelli released his top-10 list of returning starting quarterbacks for 2026 on February 25, 2026.
The players
Sam Leavitt
A highly touted four-star recruit who saw limited action at Michigan State in 2023 before transferring to Arizona State, where he broke out as the Sun Devils' starter in 2024 and led the team to the College Football Playoff. Leavitt officially signed with LSU on Jan. 12, 2026, as the marquee addition to the Tigers' impressive transfer portal haul.
Lane Kiffin
The new head coach of the LSU Tigers, hired to reset the program after a disappointing 7-6 (3-5 SEC) finish in 2025.
Tom Fornelli
The CBS Sports writer who released the preseason top 10 quarterback rankings that did not include Sam Leavitt.
What they’re saying
“No way I live to regret this list. Not happening.”
— Tom Fornelli (Twitter)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
