PHOENIX – Pro Football Focus released lists of the best-returning players in different positions heading into the 2025 college football season. And after its best season in a decade, ASU found its star players on multiple lists. The marquee names are redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt and redshirt junior Jordyn Tyson. Both were top three in their respective position list, with PFF praising the Sun Devils.
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Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) is greeted by head coach Kenny Dillingham before playing against Texas in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl on Jan 1, 2025, in Atlanta, Ga. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Leavitt was ranked the second-best returning quarterback by his impressive metrics on the field. PFF gave Leavitt an 89.1 overall grade during his redshirt freshman season, which ranked ninth among FBS quarterbacks. The 20-year-old versatility with his feet impressed PFF and made him a player to look out to lead ASU.
He was the only Power Four signal-caller with an 80.0+ grade as a passer and a runner, where he forced 34 missed tackles, putting him fifth in the Power Four at quarterback. With the departure of superstar Cam Skattebo, it will be a challenge for Leavitt to see if he can match his production of last year, where he had 2,885 passing yards for 24 touchdowns and rushing for 443 yards on the ground.
If Leavitt wants to surpass those numbers, it will have to be off the backs of a sensational junior season by Tyson.
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PFF ranked Tyson as the third-best returning wide receiver heading into 2025, behind Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith and Alabama’s Ryan Williams. After a slow start to the year, Tyson had a sensational final six games of his redshirt sophomore season, leading the nation with 729 receiving yards. Tyson finished the year with 1,098 yards, which is second for returning Power Four receiver behind Smith.
Tyson missed ASU’s college football playoff game against Texas, where it lost heartbreakingly in OT. Not being out on the field on the biggest stage will set a fire under Tyson, who was arguably the best wide receiver in the nation at the time of his shoulder injury.
Leavitt and Tyson will be the crutch of the Sun Devils’ success next season, where it’ll try to repeat as Big 12 champs.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
