On Monday morning, it was widely reported that Arizona State quarterback transfer Sam Leavitt had committed to LSU. However, Tennessee football may not be out of the fight just yet.
According to a report from Matt Zenitz, the Vols have not given up in their pursuit of Leavitt and are hoping to remain in consideration for the highly-touted transfer.
Leavitt had emerged as the primary quarterback transfer target for Tennessee in this portal cycle. He is not just the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the portal, according to 247, but the top player regardless of position, as well.
With UT starter Joey Aguilar out of eligibility and the odds of him winning his fight for an additional year unlikely, Tennessee needs to find a new starter for 2026. It is between redshirt freshman George MacIntyre, true freshman Faizon Brandon or finding a transfer.
The only other quarterback the Vols have been seriously tied to at this point has been Missouri transfer Beau Pribula.
Tennessee hasn’t given up yet re: Sam Leavitt and has still been pushing in hopes of remaining a consideration for him, sources tell @CBSSports pic.twitter.com/pkrv4Ya6Ny
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) January 12, 2026
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Leavitt visited Tennessee from the evening of Jan. 7 until the morning of Jan. 9. Beforehand, he also got looks at Kentucky and LSU. The top-rated transfer quarterback visited Miami following his visit to Tennessee, but ultimately decided on pledging to Lane Kiffin and the Tigers.
Leavitt just finished up his redshirt sophomore season with the Sun Devils, but it came to a rocky close. Before the season concluded, there were reports that he intended to transfer out following the season. Ultimately, he played in only seven games and none after a loss to Houston on Oct. 25 after suffering an injury.
However, in 2024, Leavitt put together one of the greatest seasons in program history. Alongside running back Cam Skattebo, the pair led Arizona State to the College Football Playoffs. In 13 games, he threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.
He finished that 2024 season as the school record holder for total offense by a freshman (3,328 yards), second in passing yards by a freshman (2,885) and eighth in total yards of offense in a single season (3,328).
Leavitt began his career at Michigan State in 2023 as a true freshman before transferring to ASU. He was considered a four-star prospect by On3 and 247Sports and a three-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals out of high school.
