LSU has assembled a roster capable of competing for a national championship in 2026. The Tigers attacked the transfer portal aggressively, hired Lane Kiffin to modernize the offense and surrounded the roster with enough talent to challenge anyone in the SEC. On paper, this looks like one of the most dangerous teams in college football. But LSU’s season may ultimately come down to one question. Can Sam Leavitt stay healthy? That is the reality facing the Tigers entering the season. Not the scheme. Not the defense. Not even the pressure surrounding Kiffin’s first year in Baton Rouge. Everything comes back to the quarterback position. LSU made a major statement by landing the No. 1 transfer portal class in the country, and Leavitt was the centerpiece of that group. His talent is undeniable, and in Kiffin’s offense, the upside is enormous. Former Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10). | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images That is why On3’s J.D.…