Elon’s starting quarterback Landen Clark is transferring to Louisiana State University, commonly known as LSU. Clark announced his decision on social media Jan. 11, ending a recruiting battle among multiple Power Four programs, commonly considered the toughest conferences in college football.
Clark was named the Coastal Athletic Association Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2025. In his first full season as a starter, he emerged as one of the conference’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks, passing for 2,231 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 11 more.
The decision comes nine days after the college football transfer portal officially opened Jan. 2 and roughly one month after Clark announced he planned to enter it.
Clark also visited the University of Michigan, which, he announced on social media, had offered him a scholarship. The University of Kentucky and Michigan State University were also rumored to have been pursuing Clark, per On3 reports.
Marco Lainez, Elon’s backup quarterback in 2025, also announced he will be entering the transfer portal on social media Jan. 11. This leaves Elon with three quarterbacks on the current roster: redshirt sophomore TJ Crews IV, freshman Elijah Guttman and Tanner Payne, who will join the team next season. None have taken a snap for Elon.
LSU finished with a 7-6 record this past season. Lane Kiffin was named the new head coach of the Tigers Nov. 30. Kiffin dramatically left his head coaching position at the University of Mississippi ahead of the college football playoffs.
Before his departure, Kiffin led Mississippi to one of its most successful regular seasons in program history, relying on the play of senior quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. Chambliss transferred from Division II Ferris State University before the 2025 season.
Associate Athletics Director for Strategic Communications Gerrit Van Genderen did not respond to Elon News Network’s immediate request for comment.