Sam Leavitt decided to leave Arizona State University and enter the college football transfer portal to seek a new competitive challenge and maximize his personal development as a professional quarterback prospect. Having experienced tremendous success and found his stride under the coaching staff in Tempe—including leading the Sun Devils to prominent postseason contention—Leavitt ultimately committed to transferring to Louisiana State University to play under head coach Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge. He noted that while his situation at ASU was comfortable and filled with close relationships, he felt motivated to test himself in a different environment to further prepare for the highest levels of football.