In 2024 Sam Leavitt lead Arizona State to a Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff berth. Now it appears that Leavitt’s time at Arizona State has come to an end.
The writing was on the wall Sunday night when Leavitt was a no-show at Arizona State’s awards banquet. Every other team captain showed up to get their individual recognition on stage.
Except for the quarterback who just delivered the Sun Devils their most successful season in years.
Dillingham’s Telling Comments
Head coach Kenny Dillingham didn’t dance around the awkwardness when it came time to honor his absent signal-caller. According to Chris Karpman of SunDevilSource.com, Dillingham told the crowd he “wished him well in whatever his future may hold.”
That’s coach-speak for “our starting quarterback is gone.”
The departure shouldn’t shock anyone who’s been paying attention. On3 broke the news weeks ago that Leavitt’s camp has been “shopping” him “at a high level” to other programs with plans to hit the transfer portal January 2nd.
When pressed about the reports during the season, Dillingham played coy. “I’m focused on Colorado,” he said in November. “I don’t listen to the outside noise.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Leavitt’s departure stings because of what he accomplished in Tempe. After transferring from Michigan State where he threw just 23 passes, the quarterback transformed Arizona State’s offense.
His 2024 campaign: 2,885 passing yards, 24 touchdowns, and a trip to the College Football Playoff. This season, despite missing time with injury, he still managed 1,628 yards and 10 scores through the air.
Add in his 306 rushing yards and five ground scores, and you’re looking at a dual-threat quarterback who just led ASU to an 8-4 record and fourth place in the Big 12.
But apparently that wasn’t enough to keep him in the desert.
What’s Next
The transfer portal officially opens January 2nd, and Leavitt figures to be one of the most coveted quarterbacks available. His success at Arizona State and dual-threat ability will command top dollar in college football’s free agency market.
For Arizona State, they’re back to square one at the most important position on the field. Dillingham will need to find his next quarterback in a hurry if the Sun Devils want to build on their breakthrough 2024 season.
The portal giveth, and the portal taketh away.
