LSU Spring Practice Report: Landen Clark Continues To Take First-Team Reps At QB

By ANDRE CHAMPAGNE, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter

Thursday morning’s LSU spring football practice was full of energy from the start. As soon as the Tigers took the field and head coach Lane Kiffin turned on his playlist, it was all business.

Practice opened with an 11-on-11 period featuring the first-team offense against the first-team defense. Redshirt sophomore Elon transfer quarterback Landen Clark handled first-team reps, while Sam Leavitt continued to work through individual drills but did not participate in team periods.

Clark looked sharp, completing several passes, including a 20-yard touchdown to junior tight end Trey’Dez Green, who remains in a non-contact jersey. Redshirt junior Hawaii transfer wide receiver Jackson Harris lined up with the first team at the “Z” receiver spot, while redshirt sophomore Charlotte transfer running back Rod Gainey Jr. also saw a handful of reps with the first-team offense.

The first-team offensive line featured junior Jordan Seaton (Colorado) at left tackle, sophomore Devin Harper (Ole Miss) at left guard, fifth-year senior Braelin Moore at center, fifth-year senior Aliou Bah (Maryland) at right guard and redshirt sophomore Weston Davis at right tackle.

Defensively, the highlight of the 11-on-11 period came when junior cornerback PJ Woodland broke up a Clark pass in the end zone intended for Harris. The defense also forced a turnover after a mishandled snap from Moore, with senior defensive end Princewill Umanmielen recovering the loose ball.

Following team periods, the offense and defense split off for individual drills. Leavitt spent the remainder of media availability throwing to receivers and working on handoffs with running backs. The Arizona State transfer was accurate and focused on his fade throws to the end zone.

#LSU QB Sam Leavitt continued to work on redzone throws in practice on Thursday.

Here are some of his throws.

Check out this last catch by Troy transfer Roman Mothershed 👀 pic.twitter.com/r5OmmTUoCW

— Andre Champagne (@andrechampagnee) April 2, 2026

The running back group stood out as one of the more impressive units of the day. Running backs coach Kevin Smith worked extensively with a deep room, emphasizing footwork, blocking technique and finishing through contact.

#LSU running backs coach Kevin Smith was working intensively with his group today during Thursdays practice. pic.twitter.com/eqFeJgbseq

— Andre Champagne (@andrechampagnee) April 2, 2026

Smith was highly vocal and hands-on, demonstrating drills and offering feedback after nearly every rep.

#LSU running backs coach Kevin Smith was very hands on with each of his running backs in individual drills this morning. pic.twitter.com/7d9VL5xZaF

— Andre Champagne (@andrechampagnee) April 2, 2026

Kevin Smith 🔊

The #LSU running backs working on blocking techniques at Thursdays practice. pic.twitter.com/s568rVQswJ

— Andre Champagne (@andrechampagnee) April 2, 2026

At wide receiver, the group continued to refine its route running. Redshirt freshman Philip Wright III stood out with a one-handed catch and consistently reliable hands. Sophomore Winston Watkins showcased his speed, particularly on out routes to the end zone, while redshirt junior Eugene Wilson impressed with smooth, polished route running.

There’s not going to be many corners that will be able to keep up with #LSU WR Winston Watkins on corner routes this year.

Check out the speed on the Ole Miss transfer: pic.twitter.com/AW34NWkzJR

— Andre Champagne (@andrechampagnee) April 2, 2026

OTHER NOTABLE: Junior tight end Malachi Thomas was in a non-contact jersey during practice on Thursday.