Full Breakdown
Quarterback Injury Updates Ahead of Texas Tech vs. Arizona State Showdown
10/16/2025, 2:32:04 PM
Key Player Status: Behren Morton and Sam Leavitt
As the No. 7 Texas Tech Red Raiders prepare to face the Arizona State Sun Devils on Saturday, both teams are dealing with significant quarterback injury concerns. Texas Tech's starting quarterback, Behren Morton, is listed as questionable for the game after suffering a right ankle injury during last weekend's victory against Kansas. Morton has been day-to-day since the incident, which occurred late in the second quarter when a Kansas lineman landed on his ankle. Despite negative X-rays, Morton has a history of injuries this season, having previously missed time due to a neck injury and a leg injury in earlier games. He has thrown for 1,501 yards, 13 touchdowns, and three interceptions this season, contributing to Texas Tech's top-ranked offense.
On the other side, Arizona State's quarterback Sam Leavitt is reportedly probable to play after recovering from a lower-body injury sustained during a game against Baylor on September 20. Leavitt missed last week's 42-10 loss to Utah but has shown improvement in practice, participating fully and demonstrating increased mobility. He has recorded 1,039 yards and eight touchdowns this season, making his potential return crucial for the Sun Devils, who are looking to bounce back from their recent defeat.
Official Statements & Responses
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire has indicated that Morton is being closely monitored, stating, "He’s day-to-day, and we’ll see how he feels leading up to the game." Meanwhile, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham expressed optimism regarding Leavitt's status, saying, "I feel really good about Sam and where he’s at." Dillingham noted that Leavitt's practice performance has been encouraging, with the quarterback moving more freely and participating in first-team reps.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding Leavitt's return, some analysts caution against rushing him back into action, emphasizing the risks associated with returning from injury too soon. Backup quarterback Jeff Sims, who started in Leavitt's absence, acknowledged the importance of supporting his teammate, stating, "Sam is a great quarterback... the sky is the limit for him." This sentiment reflects a broader concern about maintaining team cohesion and performance amidst injury challenges.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While reports indicate that both quarterbacks are making progress, there remains uncertainty regarding their availability for Saturday's game. Morton's status is particularly unclear, with some sources suggesting he may not play, while others remain hopeful. Similarly, Leavitt's probable status has fluctuated, with earlier reports downgrading him to doubtful before he was later listed as probable again.
What's Next
The matchup between Texas Tech and Arizona State is set for Saturday at 4 p.m. ET in Tempe, Arizona. The outcome of this game could significantly impact both teams' standings in the Big 12, particularly if either quarterback is unable to play. As the game approaches, both coaching staffs will continue to evaluate their players' health and readiness, making final decisions closer to kickoff.
