Lane Kiffin provides status, timetable for Sam Leavitt after foot surgery
By Sydney Hunte
Published:
Lane Kiffin is hoping to get Sam Leavitt back by the summer as the LSU quarterback recovers from foot surgery, the Tigers head coach told On3’s Wilson Alexander on Thursday.
Leavitt, who is at his third school in four seasons after a pair of years as Arizona State’s starter, was Kiffin’s biggest splash from the transfer portal this offseason. But the redshirt junior came to Baton Rouge with a foot injury, one that limited his progress with the Sun Devils in 2025.
He ultimately underwent Lisfranc surgery in October, ending his season. That meant that he sat out the spring as part of his recovery. After having pins removed from his foot, he’s now focused on being ready for the preseason and the Tigers’ season opener on Sept. 5 against Clemson.
LSU’s College Football Playoff hopes will likely rest on the right arm of Leavitt. And if Kiffin’s success with Jaxson Dart and Trinidad Chambliss at Ole Miss is any indication, he won’t have any trouble getting a healthy Leavitt playing to his full potential.
The Oregon native threw for 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions in 2025, but that was in seven games while dealing with his injury. He also ran for over 300 yards and five touchdowns.
Sydney is an Atlanta-based journalist who has covered everything from SEC and ACC football to MLS, the U.S. men's national soccer team and professional tennis. His work has appeared on such platforms as SB Nation, Cox Media Group and FanSided.
