Demond Williams’s Story May Influence LSU and Leavitt

The college football scene is buzzing with news as Demond Williams recently decided to enter the transfer portal. His decision comes shortly after he had agreed to return as the starting quarterback for Washington. This unexpected move raises questions about his future amidst a landscape where many athletes are exploring transfer options.

Demond Williams’s Transfer and Legal Complications

Williams’s announcement has created a stir, and there are indications that Washington and the Big Ten conference may take legal action to retain him. This follows a precedent where cornerback Xavier Lucas transferred from Wisconsin to Miami despite a prior revenue-sharing agreement with the Badgers. Lucas has since played in 13 games for the Hurricanes, who are competing in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

LSU’s Interest in Williams

LSU is reportedly interested in adding Williams to their roster. The coaching staff, including Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis, have followed Williams since his high school days as a highly-rated recruit. Initially, he committed to Ole Miss in December 2022 but decommitted in July. Shortly after, he switched his commitment to Arizona, and then moved to Washington as coaching changes occurred.

LSU’s Quarterback Situation

• LSU has been seeking a quarterback to strengthen their roster.
• Trinidad Chambliss is a highly-regarded prospect, but will not be joining the team.
• Brendan Sorsby visited LSU but eventually chose Texas Tech.

Currently, Sam Leavitt, a transfer from Arizona State, is exploring options at LSU. He was recently on campus and met with Kiffin and linebacker Whit Weeks. However, Leavitt’s future is uncertain due to a Lisfranc injury that requires significant recovery time.

Challenges Facing Sam Leavitt

Leavitt’s injury could sideline him for approximately 8 to 10 months, raising concerns about his ability to perform in a new system. A study from the National Library of Medicine indicated that while most college athletes recover and maintain performance after such injuries, the risk remains substantial.

Future Outlook

Leavitt is expected to explore other opportunities after his visit to LSU, including a trip to Tennessee. His situation complicates LSU’s quarterback search, as they currently lack depth in this position. It seems unlikely that both Williams and Leavitt would join LSU simultaneously, given the financial implications and competition for playing time.

With Williams’s transfer and Leavitt’s injury issues, LSU remains active in pursuing new talent to bolster its football program. The ongoing developments will undoubtedly shape the future of the team as they navigate this transfer portal period.