Austin, TX, January 14, 2026
The NCAA Transfer Portal continues to reshape college football as LSU and Oregon secure top quarterback transfers Sam Leavitt and Dylan Raiola. Leavitt, previously with Arizona State, aims to boost LSU’s roster, while Raiola, formerly of Nebraska, adds depth to Oregon’s quarterback position. These strategic moves are indicative of how teams are adapting to stay competitive in an ever-evolving sports landscape.
LSU and Oregon Score Big with Top Quarterback Transfers
The NCAA Transfer Portal’s Impact on College Football
Austin, TX – As the landscape of college football continues to evolve, the NCAA Transfer Portal has become a critical avenue for athletes seeking opportunities to enhance their careers. The recent commitments of quarterback Sam Leavitt to LSU and Dylan Raiola to Oregon are prime examples of how schools are strategically bolstering their rosters with fresh talent. Both quarterbacks arrive with strong backgrounds and impressive statistics, signaling potentially significant shifts in team dynamics for the upcoming seasons.
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LSU Lands Top Transfer Quarterback Sam Leavitt
LSU has secured a significant commitment from quarterback Sam Leavitt, the top-ranked player in the NCAA Transfer Portal. Leavitt, formerly of Arizona State, chose LSU over other contenders, including Miami, Tennessee, and Kentucky. His decision follows a visit to Baton Rouge, where he evaluated options after multiple visits across a six-day stretch. Leavitt is expected to join LSU for the 2026 season, providing a boost to the Tigers’ quarterback position under head coach Lane Kiffin.
Leavitt’s Background and Performance
Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 205 pounds, Leavitt had a standout season in 2024, leading Arizona State to the College Football Playoff. In that season, he threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns, with only six interceptions. Although a foot injury cut his 2025 season short, he still managed an impressive 1,628 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, along with 306 rushing yards and five touchdowns in that timeframe.
Oregon Adds Former Nebraska Quarterback Dylan Raiola
Oregon has bolstered its quarterback roster by adding Dylan Raiola, a former five-star recruit who previously played for Nebraska. Raiola announced his commitment to Oregon on January 12, 2026. During his two seasons at Nebraska, he accumulated 4,819 passing yards, 31 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions. However, his 2025 season was cut short due to a broken fibula sustained in a game against USC.
Implications for Oregon’s Quarterback Situation
Raiola’s arrival adds depth to Oregon’s quarterback position, especially as the team awaits a decision from incumbent starter Dante Moore regarding the 2026 NFL Draft. If Moore declares for the draft, Raiola could step into a starting role for the Ducks, enhancing their capabilities as they strive for success on the field.
Background on Raiola’s Recruitment
Originally from Arizona, Raiola was a highly sought-after recruit in the 2024 class, initially committing to Georgia before signing with Nebraska. His legacy in sports is notable, as his father, Dominic Raiola, was a two-time All-Big 12 selection as a center for Nebraska. The combination of Raiola’s skills and background adds an intriguing element to Oregon’s approach as they prepare for the new season.
Impact on College Football Landscape
The commitments of Leavitt to LSU and Raiola to Oregon highlight the dynamic nature of the college football transfer portal. Top quarterbacks are actively seeking new opportunities to enhance their careers and contribute to their new teams’ successes. With these changes, programs are better positioned to remain competitive, which is critical in today’s fast-paced sports environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Sam Leavitt?
Sam Leavitt is a quarterback who previously played for Arizona State. He is known for leading Arizona State to the College Football Playoff in 2024 and has committed to LSU for the 2026 season.
What is the NCAA Transfer Portal?
The NCAA Transfer Portal is a database that allows college athletes to declare their intent to transfer to another institution, facilitating the recruitment process for both athletes and programs.
Why did Dylan Raiola transfer to Oregon?
Dylan Raiola transferred to Oregon to join the Ducks’ football program after two seasons at Nebraska, aiming to continue his collegiate career and contribute to Oregon’s success.
What impact do these transfers have on LSU and Oregon?
These transfers provide both LSU and Oregon with experienced quarterbacks, potentially enhancing their offensive capabilities and competitiveness in the upcoming season.
Key Features of the Transfers
| Feature | Sam Leavitt’s Transfer to LSU | Dylan Raiola’s Transfer to Oregon |
|---|---|---|
| Previous School | Arizona State | Nebraska |
| 2024 Season Performance | Led Arizona State to the College Football Playoff with 2,885 passing yards and 24 touchdowns | Accumulated 4,819 passing yards and 31 touchdowns over two seasons |
| 2025 Season Performance | Season cut short due to foot injury; 1,628 passing yards and 10 touchdowns | Season ended early due to broken fibula; 2,000 passing yards and 18 touchdowns in nine games |
| Commitment Date | January 12, 2026 | January 12, 2026 |
| Impact on Team | Expected to bolster LSU’s quarterback position under head coach Lane Kiffin | Provides depth to Oregon’s quarterback roster amid Dante Moore’s NFL Draft decision |
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