Full Breakdown
Sam Leavitt's Transfer Portal Decision: Implications for Arizona State Football
12/11/2025, 11:22:21 AM
Core Event: Sam Leavitt to Enter Transfer Portal
Arizona State University quarterback Sam Leavitt has announced his intention to enter the college football transfer portal after two seasons as the Sun Devils' starting quarterback. This decision follows a challenging 2025 season, during which Leavitt was sidelined due to a foot injury that required surgery, limiting him to just seven games. Leavitt's performance prior to his injury included 1,628 passing yards and 10 touchdowns, contributing to a total of 4,513 passing yards and 34 touchdowns over his career at Arizona State.
Background & Context: Leavitt's Career at Arizona State
Leavitt transferred to Arizona State from Michigan State, where he redshirted as a true freshman. He quickly established himself as a key player, leading the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2024. His notable achievements include a career-high 319 passing yards in a game against Texas Tech, where he also led a game-winning drive. Despite his success, injuries plagued his 2025 season, ultimately influencing his decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Potential Landing Spots: Big Ten and SEC Teams
As Leavitt prepares to enter the transfer portal, several prominent programs are being considered as potential landing spots. Teams such as Louisiana State University (LSU) and the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) are among the frontrunners. LSU, now under the leadership of head coach Lane Kiffin, is in need of a new starting quarterback following the departure of Garrett Nussmeier. Similarly, Ole Miss may pursue Leavitt to bolster their quarterback options, especially if current players face eligibility uncertainties.
Other potential suitors include Indiana University and Penn State University. Indiana could provide an opportunity if junior quarterback Fernando Mendoza opts for the NFL draft, while Penn State is looking to rebuild after a coaching change and could benefit from Leavitt's experience and dual-threat capabilities.
Official Statements & Responses
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has publicly expressed his support for Leavitt, stating, "I'm going to leave that to Sam's team out of respect for him," when asked about Leavitt's future. Dillingham also praised Leavitt's talent, indicating confidence in his ability to succeed at another program. Following Leavitt's announcement, Dillingham reiterated his belief in Leavitt's potential, stating he is "going to succeed wherever he goes."
Criticism & Opposition: Concerns Over Team Dynamics
While Leavitt's departure may open new opportunities for him, it raises concerns about Arizona State's quarterback depth. With Leavitt's exit, the Sun Devils will rely on redshirt freshmen Cam Dyer and Michael "Butter" Tollefson, along with incoming four-star recruit Jake Fette. Critics argue that the team may struggle to maintain competitiveness without a seasoned quarterback, emphasizing the need for Arizona State to actively seek experienced players in the transfer portal.
What's Next: The Transfer Portal Window
Leavitt is set to officially enter the transfer portal on January 2, 2026, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his college football career. As the winter transfer portal window opens, he is expected to attract significant interest from various programs, potentially reshaping the quarterback landscape in college football. Arizona State, meanwhile, will need to address its quarterback situation promptly to ensure a competitive roster for the upcoming season.
