After a turbulent 2025 season that marked the end of the Brian Kelly era, there’s a renewed sense of energy in Baton Rouge-and it’s got Lane Kiffin’s fingerprints all over it. LSU fans have been craving offensive fireworks, and if there’s one thing Kiffin consistently delivers, it’s points on the board.
The Tigers finished 14th in the SEC last year, averaging just 22.8 points per game. That’s not going to cut it in this league.
But with Kiffin at the helm and a revamped quarterback room, the outlook for 2026 is a whole lot brighter.
A Quarterback Overhaul That Could Change Everything
When Michael Van Buren and Colin Hurley entered the transfer portal earlier this month, LSU was left with zero scholarship quarterbacks on the roster. That kind of vacuum could’ve spelled disaster for most programs.
But Kiffin didn’t flinch. Instead, he went to work in the portal-and came out with what might be the most impressive QB haul in the country.
Now, LSU’s quarterback room features three names that Tiger fans should get to know fast: Sam Leavitt, Husan Longstreet, and Landen Clark. It’s a group that offers both immediate firepower and long-term stability, with a mix of proven production, elite pedigree, and untapped potential.
Let’s break it down.
Sam Leavitt: The Headliner
Kiffin’s biggest win in the portal is without question Sam Leavitt, the former Arizona State quarterback who was one of the most coveted players available. Leavitt is no stranger to the spotlight-he led Arizona State to a Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth in 2024. With more than 5,400 total yards and 46 touchdowns under his belt, he brings experience and proven production to a program that’s been searching for a steady hand under center.
Leavitt isn’t just a plug-and-play starter-he’s already being mentioned in Heisman conversations. According to FanDuel Sportsbook, he’s tied for the fifth-best odds to win the 2026 Heisman Trophy at +1300.
That’s not hype. That’s respect.
But it’s not just about the numbers. Leavitt’s game is built on poise, mobility, and the ability to extend plays-traits that fit perfectly in Kiffin’s wide-open offensive system. If he stays healthy, this could be the most dynamic LSU offense we’ve seen in years.
Husan Longstreet: The Future-and a Pretty Solid Present
Behind Leavitt is Husan Longstreet, a name that carries serious weight in recruiting circles. A former 5-star recruit and the No. 4 quarterback in the 2025 class according to 247Sports, Longstreet transferred from USC after spending his freshman season backing up Jayden Maiava.
He didn’t see much action in 2025, but the tools are there-size, arm strength, athleticism-and he’s got four years of eligibility ahead of him. That’s huge for LSU’s long-term quarterback development. But don’t be surprised if Longstreet’s name matters in the short term, too.
Leavitt is coming off a season-ending foot injury he suffered against Houston on October 25. While all signs point to a healthy return, having a former 5-star like Longstreet waiting in the wings gives LSU a level of insurance most programs would envy. If Leavitt misses any time, Kiffin’s offense won’t be left scrambling.
Landen Clark: The Wild Card with Big Upside
The first quarterback to commit to LSU this cycle was Landen Clark, and while he may not have the same name recognition as Leavitt or Longstreet, don’t sleep on this kid. Clark transferred in from Elon, where he was named the CAA Offensive Rookie of the Year and earned FCS All-American honors as a redshirt freshman.
His numbers jump off the page: 2,321 passing yards, 18 touchdowns, and 614 rushing yards with 11 more scores on the ground. That dual-threat ability makes him an intriguing fit for Kiffin’s system, which has always thrived with quarterbacks who can hurt defenses in multiple ways.
LSU beat out Michigan for Clark’s commitment, and that alone should tell you how highly he’s regarded. Kiffin has a track record of finding hidden gems-just ask Ole Miss fans about Trinidad Chambliss, who came out of Division II Ferris State and made a major impact. If Clark follows a similar trajectory, the Tigers might have another breakout star on their hands.
Final Thoughts: Kiffin’s QB Room Is Built to Win Now-and Later
In less than a month, Lane Kiffin turned an empty quarterback room into one of the most promising in the country. Sam Leavitt gives LSU a legitimate Heisman contender and a proven leader.
Husan Longstreet brings elite upside and long-term security. Landen Clark offers versatility and the potential to surprise a lot of people.
It’s the kind of quarterback depth that can carry a team through the grind of an SEC schedule. More importantly, it gives Kiffin the flexibility to fully unleash the kind of high-octane offense Tiger fans have been waiting for.
After a forgettable 2025, LSU’s future suddenly looks a lot more explosive. And it all starts under center.