LSU quarterback preview: Leavitt status, depth chart, fall camp
LSU quarterback preview: Sam Leavitt is the storyline heading into fall camp — he’s recovering from a Lisfranc injury and underwent surgery last season, had screws removed in April, and is trending toward availability while Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark remain in the QB room as the primary backups.
LSU quarterback preview: quick take
This is straightforward for fans: LSU’s immediate ceiling hinges on Leavitt’s health and when he can handle full reps. That single variable shapes early reps, play-calling comfort and how quickly the offense can sync under Kiffin. (Source: Dandy Don — Dandy Don notebook, 7/6/26.)
The room listed by Dandy Don shows the projected pecking order: Sam Leavitt (6-2, 205, RsJr), Husan Longstreet (6-0, 200, RsFr) and Landen Clark (6-0, 186, RsSo). All three offer distinct traits, which gives LSU schematic flexibility depending on Leavitt’s management during camp. (See the LSU category for ongoing coverage: Dandy Don — LSU.)
Sam Leavitt: injury, surgery and timeline
Leavitt’s foot problems began with an injury vs. Baylor on Sept. 20 and were aggravated in the Oct. 25 game at Houston, ultimately ending his season and requiring surgical stabilization of the Lisfranc joint. (Dandy Don reporting.)
He had the pins and screws placed in November as part of the stabilization surgery, and the hardware was removed in April, a key milestone in his rehab timeline. That removal opened the next phase of functional work and progressive on-field conditioning. (Source: Dandy Don — original coverage.)
Spring practice showed limits: coaches listed Leavitt as limited early in the spring window and he did not complete the full spring sessions after a follow-up procedure, so LSU managed his workload through the spring. Those practice notes are part of why staff and trainers will dictate ramp-up in summer and early camp. (Dandy Don reporting.)
Medical timelines can be fluid. While screw removal is encouraging, true football readiness depends on strength, range of motion, pain-free cutting and the ability to take contact in drills. Fans should read the signs — conditioning footage, private camp reports and coach statements — but treat each as an indicator rather than a clearance until trainers confirm full participation. (Dandy Don.)
Depth chart and what each QB brings
Projected No. 1: Sam Leavitt (6-2, 205, RsJr). When healthy, Leavitt has the most game-level production of the group, mixing intermediate accuracy with the ability to create with his legs. That profile fits Kiffin’s offense and is why the staff will likely prioritize getting him comfortable with reps if risk is acceptable. (Dandy Don notebook.)
Primary backup: Husan Longstreet (6-0, 200, RsFr). A high-school star with mobility and arm strength, Longstreet flashed during spring drills and in early summer work as a live-body option who can push for reps if Leavitt’s availability is limited. He’s a high-ceiling option but still developing timing with college receivers. (Dandy Don reporting.)
Developmental/third option: Landen Clark (6-0, 186, RsSo). Clark, a transfer from Elon, offers toughness, command and a pro-style feel that helps manage games when needed. He’s the reliable, gritty piece who can be leaned on for game management while the other two develop chemistry or recover health. (Dandy Don.)
In short: Leavitt is the established playmaker if cleared; Longstreet supplies upside and athleticism as the immediate backup; Clark provides steadiness and rapid decision-making in shorter-yardage or conservative packages. That trio gives the offense multiple pathways depending on camp developments. (Dandy Don coverage.)
Other LSU notes fans should know
PFF included Leavitt in its Top 50 college football players list, placing him at No. 41 for his big-time throw rate and explosiveness as a runner, underscoring why his availability matters to LSU’s season outlook. (PFF ranking cited in Dandy Don coverage.)
Up front, center Braelin Moore remains a key continuity piece. Moore logged 623 snaps last season and was a consistent stabilizing presence for the offensive line; his availability and performance affect protection for any QB taking reps. (Dandy Don notebook.)
Off the football field, LSU’s pro pipeline remains prominent: former Tiger Paul Skenes was named to the 2026 MLB All-Star roster, a reminder of the program’s broader national footprint and recent pro-level production across sports. (Dandy Don mention.)
Countdown context: 61 days until the first meaningful fall-camp gates swing open — a timeframe that will expose any lingering limitations, hint at rep allocations and provide clearer answers about Leavitt’s day-to-day participation. (Dandy Don timeline.)
Bottom line
Bottom line: the 2026 LSU quarterback preview reduces to one practical question — is Sam Leavitt ready to be the starter and take full reps in fall camp? If yes, LSU opens with a proven option who can expedite offensive continuity. If he’s managed, Husan Longstreet’s arm and athletic upside and Landen Clark’s steadiness become crucial for early-season success. (Dandy Don reporting.)
What fans should watch in fall camp
Key watch points: how many scripted and live reps Leavitt is given in the first 10 practice days, whether he participates in contact periods, timing/accuracy on intermediate routes and how the offensive line — led by Moore — holds up in blitz and pressure simulations. Rep distribution between Leavitt, Longstreet and Clark in team periods will be the clearest indicator of readiness.
Key takeaways
– Sam Leavitt is trending toward availability after Lisfranc surgery and hardware removal in April, but final clearance will come from trainers and coaches. (Dandy Don.)
– Husan Longstreet is the high-upside backup with starting potential if needed. (Dandy Don.)
– Landen Clark is the developmental, reliable option who offers toughness and command. (Dandy Don.)
Source attribution
This article is based on Dandy Don’s LSU coverage and roster notes. Original Dandy Don notebook: Dandy Don — 7/6/26. For more LSU-focused coverage see Dandy Don’s LSU category at https://www.dandydon.com/category/lsu/.
FAQ
Is Sam Leavitt expected to be ready for fall camp?
Reporting indicates he is trending toward readiness after surgery and screw removal, but final clearance depends on trainers and staff decisions. (Dandy Don.)
Who is the backup if Leavitt is limited?
Husan Longstreet is the primary backup by recruiting profile and spring work; Landen Clark is the developmental third option. (Dandy Don.)
How serious was Leavitt’s Lisfranc surgery?
Lisfranc stabilization is a significant procedure that requires a careful rehab timeline; Leavitt had surgery in November and hardware removed in April, with progressive rehab reported since. (Dandy Don.)
