Arizona State Sun Devils starting quarterback Sam Leavitt was recently left on the field during a game against Houston. The quarterback will undergo season-ending surgery to repair a lingering foot injury. Following that, Jeff Sims has taken over as the starter.
Leavitt still has two years of college eligibility remaining after the 2025 season. However, after returning from surgery for the 2026 season, he may potentially find himself moving away from Arizona State following a recent announcement.
Sam Leavitt Reportedly Seeking Arizona State Exit
Following a recent report from On3.com, it was reported that the Arizona State quarterback’s chances of returning to the program in 2026 were not guaranteed. This year, according to PFSN’s QB Impact rankings, Leavitt ranks at 54th overall with an 82.6 impact score.
BREAKING: Arizona State star QB Sam Leavitt’s return to the program in 2026 is doubtful, @SWiltfong_ & @PeteNakos report.
Leavitt’s camp is actively shopping the talented passer “at a high level”
Intel: https://t.co/Lqu0Fco718 pic.twitter.com/t13nqfzKIy
— On3 (@On3sports) November 18, 2025
“BREAKING: Arizona State star QB Sam Leavitt’s return to the program in 2026 is in doubt. Leavitt’s camp is actively shopping the talented passer “at a high level,” The suggested report from ON3 Sports, Pete Nakos, and Steve Wiltfong read.
However, following the report, it was revealed by Leavitt’s brother, Dallin, who also represents the quarterback, that these reports were not concrete. It was reported by Leavitt’s agent that the reports revealed by ON3 Sports were not categorically true.
“Why would you do that? That’s not where things are right now. He’s still deciding what he wants to do.” The quarterback’s brother shared a series of Instagram messages from when the report was revealed.
After starting his career at Michigan State, where Leavitt played in four games as a true freshman, he joined Arizona State in 2024 under head coach Kenny Dillingham, where he was named the starter over the current backup.
During the 2024 season, the Sun Devils’ quarterback played a large role in helping Arizona State make an at-large bid for the playoffs. Leavitt had a 61.7% completion rate for 2,885 yards with 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.
Leavitt finished his 2025 season with 1,628 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. However, his season was cut short after a reemerging injury meant that he had to have surgery. It was suggested that this injury occurred during a game against Baylor.
“It’s definitely something that’s been lingering all year. It’s definitely something that could turn into that (long-term) for sure, just because it hasn’t progressed like we hoped. He has been dealing with this for nearly the entire year. Head coach Kenny Dillingham stated.
After suffering a season-ending injury, Sims took over as the starting quarterback in Arizona’s most recent games. The veteran quarterback threw for over 200 yards and three touchdowns during their 25-23 victory over the West Virginia Mountaineers.
Before his injury, it was suggested that the quarterback could potentially make the step up to the NFL, as he is currently draft-eligible. However, following Leavitt’s recent reported interest in entering the Transfer Portal, that possibility seems to be over if the reports are true.
“I’m not even beginning to process what are his next steps. I haven’t even asked him that. I just feel bad for him that he has been dinged up all year and he’s been battling for our football team. It’s unfortunate that it just hasn’t gotten any better.” Dillingham said following Leavitt’s injury.
After spending two years at Arizona State, he proved himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12, leading Arizona to its first Big 12 title in 2024. Following that, the Sun Devils’ quarterback will most definitely be in high demand should he declare.
