As the 2025 college football season approaches, there’s talk around Arizona State Sun Devils rising star QB Sam Leavitt, and for good reason.
Following a standout freshman campaign, Leavitt has drawn high praise from an analyst who sees shades of NFL talent in his game.
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In a recent episode of “Todd McShay’s show” spotlighting QB Leavitt, analyst Steve Muench compared Leavitt to Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy. It’s high praise for the rising Sun Devil, but just how closely does Leavitt’s game mirror McCarthy’s potential?
“The thing that immediately jumps to me is their immediate passes. The 10 to 19 yard passes, the timing, the touch, when the ball gets out in rhythm. Both of the quarterbacks are really good in that area, especially on in-breaking routes, throwing in the windows,” Muench said.
“…When these players need to make plays for their team, both McCarthy and Leavitt, they step up and make plays. And they’ll get hit in the mouth, they’ll get cut in half… they’ll hurt you if you give them a chance to scramble or extend a play.”
Leavitt’s breakout 2024 season turned the Sun Devils into a formidable program. After spending his first year at Michigan State Spartans, Leavitt transferred to ASU and hit the ground running.
He threw for 2,885 yards, racked up 24 touchdowns, and had only six interceptions. His stellar play earned him Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year honors and an All-Big 12 second-team spot.
Under his leadership, the Sun Devils captured the Big 12 championship and punched their ticket to the College Football Playoff.
Though their postseason run ended in a double-overtime 39-31 loss to the Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal, fans felt Leavitt and his squad did everything they could on the field.
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His success extends beyond raw numbers; his chemistry with top receiver Jordyn Tyson and his knack for reading defenses make him a standout.
Expectations are high, with ASU ranked No. 14 in Athlon Sports’ preseason top 25. Even without his 2024 star running back Cam Skattebo, who was selected in the fourth round (105th overall) in the 2025 NFL Draft, there’s no doubt: Leavitt is the heartbeat of this Sun Devils team.
The Sun Devils are among the league’s favorites due to the return of most of their starters, top backups, and entire coaching staff. With one of the nation’s best-rated defenses on paper and a QB garnering Heisman Trophy buzz, ASU fans will view anything short of a championship run as a letdown.
