In three days’ time, the gates to the practice facility will slide open, and a hoard of media will walk through.
I’ll be in that number.
I’ve given some thought this weekend to where I’ll head first. I considered the defensive line to see Lamar Brown for the first time and to see where Deuce Geralds lines up in the rotation. I’m also curious to see if any of the cornerbacks seem to have added weight. DJ Pickett, PJ Woodland, Michael Turner and Havon Finney are all slender players.
But no position is as impactful or interesting as quarterback. That’s my answer, predictable as it may be.
Sam Leavitt is a polarizing figure in the national discussion. As easy as it is to point to his 16-4 record as a Sun Devil starter, Big 12 Championship, No. 1 portal ranking, 816 rushing yards and dramatic highlight reel, many also point to the negatives. Cam Skattebo’s 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns spearheaded the 2024 team. Jordyn Tyson became a top 10 pick. Even with those two, Leavitt was only able to 69 passing yards versus Mississippi State in 2024. He threw for just 82 in Starkville last fall. Leavitt only has one two 300-yard passing games to his name, and all of that is prior to the foot surgery that kept him from meaningful spring reps.
What we don’t know is what all of that means for 2026 in Baton Rouge. What we do is that Leavitt’s performance will steer Lane Kiffin’s first LSU ship wherever it may go.
That’s why I have to go watch him first.
No, half an hour of reps without pads on doesn’t provide a ton of information. It does give some. We’ll be able to see how he’s moving around, what kind of zip is on his ball and what type of leadership role he takes on now that he’s part of the action.
All of the reports we’ve gotten over the summer suggest Leavitt is leading the drills. His social media posts suggest he’s fully healthy — at least healthy enough to windmill dunk through the goalposts and run 21 mph. That’s about all we’ve got.
That changes Wednesday when practice begins. You know where to find me.
