Sam Leavitt carries a $4.5 million On3 NIL valuation for 2026, among the five highest in college football, after transferring from Arizona State to LSU in January. He chose Lane Kiffin’s Tigers after visits that included Miami, Tennessee and Kentucky, and became the most expensive piece of an LSU roster that industry sources say costs more than $50 million with incentives. Early in the 2025 season his valuation was about $616,000.
| Point in time | School | On3 valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Early 2025 season | Arizona State | About $616,000, 15th in the Big 12 |
| Late 2025 | Arizona State | About $3 million |
| Spring 2026, after the transfer | LSU | $4 million |
| 2026 season | LSU | $4.5 million |
How It Compares
| Player | School | 2026 On3 valuation |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremiah Smith, WR | Ohio State | $5 million |
| Dante Moore, QB | Oregon | $5 million |
| Sam Leavitt, QB | LSU | $4.5 million |
| Bryce Underwood, QB | Michigan | $3 million |
Why LSU Paid Top Dollar
LSU lost Garrett Nussmeier to the NFL and hired Lane Kiffin, whose offenses have made quarterbacks into first round picks, so landing a proven starter was the priority of the January portal. Leavitt had led Arizona State to the 2024 Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff trip. He and offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, both portal additions, are the two most expensive players on LSU’s roster.
Valuations are On3 figures as reported by FanSided and Sports Illustrated; transfer details from ESPN. NIL valuations are estimates, not salaries.
The Bottom Line
Sam Leavitt is worth $4.5 million in NIL for 2026 at LSU, up from about $616,000 early in 2025. See the full roster cost on LSU NIL, his coach’s deal on the Lane Kiffin salary page, and the national list on highest NIL valuations.