Anonymous SEC Coordinator Sounds Off On LSU QB Sam Leavitt

LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt enters the 2026 season with plenty of expectations after transferring from Arizona State to take over Lane Kiffin's offense in Baton Rouge.

In a recent ESPN article, an anonymous SEC defensive coordinator who will face LSU this season offered an interesting assessment of Leavitt, praising his playmaking ability while questioning other parts of his game.

Here's what he had to say:

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Coaches who have faced or scouted Leavitt recognize his talent, especially the playmaking he displayed in the second half of the 2024 regular season.

"He played better the year before than he did last year," said a defensive coordinator set to face LSU. "He was really impressive during [Arizona State's] playoff run the year before. So, just sneaky athletic, really way more elusive than you would think, just one of those make-something-out-of-nothing kind of guys. He's a good, solid passer. He'll miss on some throws that you expect him to make it to be that high-level guy. But where he gets you is when he extends plays."

Leavitt had five rushing touchdowns in each of the past two seasons. The defensive coordinator said Leavitt's health and how much LSU chooses to run him coming off the injury will be worth monitoring.

"He's not the talent level that a normal LSU quarterback would be," an SEC defensive coordinator said. "If they [have success], it's going to be because they got him going in the system. He doesn't freak you out when you watch him, but he is dangerous at times. I would rather play him than Diego Pavia."

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