New LSU Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt enters his time at his new school already a Heisman Trophy contender.
The LSU Tigers are going to have lofty expectations as a team in the first year of the Lane Kiffin era. The same will go for their individual players as well.
One star that will be expected to produce from the first snap is new Tigers quarterback Sam Leavitt. He was the top overall player in the transfer portal and is coming to LSU with hopes of becoming an early pick in the next draft.
Leavitt begins his first year as a Tiger tied for the fourth-best odds to win the Heisman trophy, per FanDuel Sportsbook. Arch Manning, CJ Carr and Josh Hoover are the only three players with better odds. He is tied with Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin, Gunner Stockton and Dante Moore.
LSU fans know not to get too bought into Heisman hype before a season begins, though, after the mess that happened with Garrett Nussmeier last year. He entered as a favorite and ended up having a nightmare year.
There is precedent for Arizona State Sun Devils quarterbacks coming to Baton Rouge and winning gold, though, as Jayden Daniels brought home the Heisman in his second season with the Tigers.
Daniels had 3,812 passing yards with 40 touchdowns to just four interceptions to go along with 1,134 rushing yards and 10 more scores the season he won the trophy. Leavitt isn't going to be expected to put up those numbers, but that doesn't mean he can't compete.
Fernando Mendoza had 3,535 yards with 41 touchdowns to six interceptions, 276 rushing yards and seven more scores on the ground.
Leavitt is somewhat of a middle ground between those two quarterbacks. He's less mobile than Daniels, but far more mobile than Mendoza. He should be able to put up some nice production on the ground.
While the former Sun Devils star hasn't had the passing production like that in the past, a career-high of 24 passing touchdowns, he'll certainly have the opportunity to do so in the Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. offense.
LSU has completely rebuilt the wide receiver room this year, adding numerous big-play threats. All of the top guys they added this year would likely have speed as their top attribute.
Jackson Harris and Tre Brown both finished top-8 in the country in yards per reception last season. Jayce Brown was also in the top 30.
Leavitt is going to be watched very closely this season. Tigers fans will be hoping that it will be a fun watch.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER". The National Council on Problem Gambling help-line is also often cited at 1-800-522-4700.