Sam Leavitt went from Michigan State’s backup to leading a Big 12 championship squad in just one season. Now he’s ranked second among Big 12 quarterbacks, but there’s a catch.
The departure of emotional leader RB Cam Skattebo leaves a massive void that could determine whether Arizona State repeats as champions or falls short of expectations.
Why Did Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt Rank Second Despite His Championship Run?
Sam Leavitt’s transformation from transfer quarterback to championship hero caught the attention of college football fans nationwide. His journey from Michigan State to Arizona State produced one of the most compelling stories in the 2024 season.
The quarterback put together solid numbers during his breakout campaign. He completed 216 out of 350 passes for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns while throwing just six interceptions. These statistics helped fuel Arizona State’s run to the Big 12 championship game and beyond.
At CBS Sports Big 12 Media Days, analyst Danny Kannell revealed his quarterback rankings that surprised many observers. Leavitt earned the number two spot, which caught even the host off guard. The host’s reaction captured the sentiment.
“I was kind of surprised. I thought he was going to be number one.” Cannell’s response showed how close the decision was. “He was close to number one, too,” and “It’s hard to keep him out because of what they did last season.”
The analyst praised Leavitt’s clutch performances throughout the season. He noted: “Helped them go to the Big 12 championship game. Made the playoff, and he played really well, especially down the stretch.”
Cannell was particularly impressed with the championship game showing.
“He was really close to flawless, especially in the Big 12 championship game against Iowa State. They had an offensive explosion. The game wasn’t even close there,” he explained.
Can QB Sam Leavitt Fill the Leadership Void Left by RB Cam Skattebo?
Despite his praise for Leavitt’s on-field performance, Cannell expressed confidence in the quarterback’s future potential.
“I love what Kenny Dillingham has done with him, and I think the sky is the limit for him, potentially. I actually have Arizona State to repeat in the Big 12 championship because of this quarterback.”
However, the analyst identified a significant challenge facing the Sun Devils.
“But the one question mark I have is, what do they do without Cam Scatterboo? They’re running back from last year,” he explained.
This concern goes beyond just replacing production on the field. Cannell emphasized the leadership vacuum created by Skattebo’s departure.
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“That’s where I feel like Sam Levitt has to step up and bump it up as an emotional leader of this team because that unequivocally was Scatterboo last year.”
The running back’s absence creates “a big void that he’s going to have to step up and fill.” This transition from talented quarterback to team leader represents a crucial evolution for Leavitt’s development.
Despite this challenge, Cannell expressed optimism about Leavitt’s ability to grow into the role: “But now that he’s got that year under his belt, I think he will.”
Arizona State’s 2025 championship hopes will ultimately depend on whether Leavitt can successfully transition from pure quarterback to emotional team leader. This evolution will be crucial for the Sun Devils’ repeat aspirations in the Big 12.
