LSU needed at least three quarterbacks in the transfer period.
Only one can start.
Lane Kiffin, Billy Glasscock and Charlie Weis Jr. had to assess the pool of candidates and determine how to lure two backup quarterbacks to Baton Rouge. That’s easier said than done.
Many will point to Trinidad Chambliss at Ole Miss and meteoric rise he’s taken from unknown Division II star to the College Football Playoff semis. That’s not to suggest that route is an easy one to replicate. It’s nearly impossible.
There are talented players at lower levels, and Chambliss’s success validates that. In an era where quarterbacks transfer in droves annually. Sometimes the depth chart is going to have to be backfilled with those types of players.
WHAT WE KNOW
Landen Clark spent two seasons at Elon in the Coastal Athletic Association of the FCS. He played in four games as a freshman and became the starter as a redshirt freshman in 2025.
As the starter, he threw for 2,321 yards and 18 touchdowns with eight interceptions. He also ran the ball 189 times for 869 yards (with sacks taken out) and 11 touchdowns. That’s nearly 16 carries per game. He earned CAA co-Rookie of the Year.
LANDEN. CLARK.
ON FOURTH AND LONG, QB1 DELIVERS!!!#PhoenixRising | #AED pic.twitter.com/9mSky3E0XI
— Elon Football (@ElonFootball) November 15, 2025
Clark is an athlete. He played quarterback and safety in high school and was the two-time region player of the year. He accounted for 71 total touchdowns in his senior season and then went to the basketball court where his team finished state runner up.
Clark is listed at 6-foot and 186 lbs. He’s certainly not physically imposing.
Duke was the only FBS team on the schedule for Elon. The ACC champions were Clark’s first opponent as a starter. He was 10-for-16 for 101 yards and carried the ball 18 times for 61 yards and a touchdown.
THE FIT
The fit is damn near perfect. LSU had to thread the needle here and get a functional quarterback who was willing to be the third option. That’s not easy.
LANDEN ➡️ ZIMERE!!!
What a throw from Landen Clark! 78 yards to the crib! #PhoenixRising | #AED pic.twitter.com/tadVK23qlf
— Elon Football (@ElonFootball) September 13, 2025
Right now, Sam Leavitt is the starter, and Husan Longstreet is very much considered the backup.
Since Leavitt will miss the spring, Longstreet and Clark will get a ton of reps. No team can truly expect to compete if two quarterbacks go down for an extended time. So, Clark’s role as third team quarterback on the 2026 team is relatively inconsequential. However, he’s a really good athlete who has three years of eligibility left. That’s another reason he’s a great fit.
HUNT’S PROJECTION
I don’t think Clark factors in this coming season unless things go really poorly from an injury standpoint. Considering Leavitt is coming off foot surgery, that’s certainly possible, but it drastically changes the expectation level of the season.
QB Landen Clark signs with LSU. Saw him in the season-opener at Duke; he showed glimpses of his potential in his first collegiate start.
I can only assume the energy from these calls gave Lane the nudge to take him. #LSU pic.twitter.com/dV4pHs7Xcr
— Matt Schick (@ESPN_Schick) January 12, 2026
I won’t rule out Clark becoming a factor during his time at LSU. I think so much of Kiffin’s offensive acumen and quarterback development, that an athlete like Clark could become something after a year or two in the program.
If he’s content as a backup who makes a reasonable amount financially, maybe he stays and competes.
Overall, I think this was a great addition in considering the room was empty when he signed.
