LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt appears ready to put one of the biggest questions surrounding his arrival in Baton Rouge firmly in the past. After months of rehabilitation from a significant foot injury, the transfer quarterback says his health is no longer something occupying his thoughts as he prepares for the 2026 season.
Leavitt spoke with reporters Monday and made it clear that he feels completely healthy heading into fall camp. The former Arizona State quarterback said he is currently at 100 percent and has been for several weeks, giving LSU fans another encouraging indication that the injury should not limit him this season.
The injury had been one of the biggest storylines surrounding Leavitt throughout the offseason. He suffered a foot injury during the 2025 season at Arizona State and ultimately required surgery, ending his season after seven starts. The extended recovery also prevented him from participating fully in LSU’s spring program, creating understandable questions about whether he would be ready when the Tigers opened fall camp.
There were positive signs during the summer, however. LSU coach Lane Kiffin said in July that Leavitt was back to full strength and that the focus had shifted away from his rehabilitation toward developing chemistry with his new teammates. Kiffin emphasized that Leavitt simply needed repetitions with the offense after missing spring practice.
Now, Leavitt’s own comments suggest that the physical part of his comeback is no longer the primary concern.
That is particularly important for an LSU offense that is counting on the transfer quarterback to provide stability at the position. Leavitt arrives in Baton Rouge with impressive experience, including a strong 2024 season at Arizona State. He threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns that year while helping the Sun Devils reach the Big 12 Championship Game.
His mobility is another major part of his game, making the condition of his foot especially important. LSU needs Leavitt to be comfortable not only throwing from the pocket but also moving around, extending plays and contributing as a runner.
Early observations from fall camp have been encouraging. Leavitt has displayed strong arm talent, quick decision-making and improved footwork during practice periods open to the media. He has also begun developing timing with LSU’s receivers and tight ends as he becomes more familiar with the offense.
For Leavitt, that represents an important transition. Instead of constantly monitoring his recovery, he can now concentrate on winning the quarterback competition and learning Kiffin’s system.
The bigger challenge is no longer whether Leavitt can return from his injury. It is how quickly he can become comfortable leading a new team.
If his health remains stable, LSU could finally see the version of Leavitt that made him one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs gives Kiffin another potentially dynamic weapon.
For now, Leavitt’s message is simple: the foot is no longer something he is thinking about. His attention is on football—and that is exactly what LSU needs as the Tigers prepare for the 2026 campaign.
Leave a Reply