Charlie Campbell
Early in the 2027 NFL Draft process, one of the interesting prospects emerging is LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. Leavitt had a strong 2024 season with Arizona State, leading them into the college football playoff. His 2025 season was cut short by a Lisfranc injury, and Leavitt transferred to play for Lane Kiffin in the 2026 season. Leavitt is a dual-threat quarterback, and he showed that in Week 1 when he used his legs to help blow out the Clemson Tigers. In speaking with team sources, they said that Leavitt reminded them of Jaxson Dart and Johnny Manziel.
“Good football player, will be interesting if he can stay healthy and what kind of year he has. Some Johnny Manziel in college form,” said a director of player personnel.
In 2025, Leavitt completed 61 percent of his passes for 1,628 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions in seven games before going out for the season in late October. In 2024, he completed 62 percent of his passes for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for 443 yards and five scores. One team source said that Jaxson Dart was a good comp for Leavitt, but another national scout disagreed with that. “He’s a run-around guy,” said the national scout. “Not sure he can win from the pocket. Not as big as Dart.”
Perhaps Leavitt can develop more pocket passing ability under Lane Kiffin, and Kiffin developed Dart out of the transfer portal as well. Both Manziel and Dart were first-round picks, so Leavitt could go in the first round of the 2027 NFL Draft.
