Earlier this week, ESPN published a story breaking down one “x-factor” for every team in its preseason top 25.
That includes LSU, which will debut at No. 10 in ESPN’s power rankings for 2026. The Tigers have had a very interesting offseason with Lane Kiffin arriving alongside a strong group of new assistant coaches and highly-touted transfers.
Among that group of newcomers, ESPN’s Andrea Adelson has singled out quarterback Sam Leavitt as the program’s x-factor for 2026. Leavitt had a tremendous 2024 season at Arizona State, leading the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff. The 2025 campaign wasn’t quite as smooth and he ultimately ended up in the transfer portal.
Now, LSU will be counting on Leavitt to lead the team back to the CFP. Here’s Adelson’s analysis:
If Kiffin has a quarterback he believes in, he wins. Enter Leavitt, the latest to try and find success in the Kiffin system. After sitting out all of spring with a foot injury he sustained during the 2025 season, Kiffin says Leavitt is at full strength for summer workouts. That is good news for a program that went all in to fix its offense. Leavitt is obviously the centerpiece, having led Arizona State to a 2024 CFP appearance before getting hurt and playing in only seven games a year ago. With playmakers such as Trey’Dez Green, Jackson Harris, Jayce Brown and Tre’ Brown III around him, Leavitt will have plenty of chances to shine.
During his breakout season in 2024, Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. He also rushed for 443 yards and 6 more scores on the ground for the Sun Devils that season.
LSU will open the 2026 season against Clemson on Sept. 5.
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ESPN analyst identifies LSU’s ‘x-factor’ for 2026 season Saturday Down South.
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