PHOENIX — Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is starting to gain national attention. The sophomore was ranked No. 8 in Andy Staples’s list of the top 10 college quarterbacks heading into spring ball—earning a spot among some of the sport’s brightest young talents.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Staples’s list, released today, placed Leavitt behind names like DJ Lagway (Florida), Lanorris Sellers (South Carolina), and Arch Manning (Texas), but ahead of proven starters like Georgia’s Carson Beck.
It’s a significant nod for Leavitt, who transferred to Arizona State and put together an impressive first season in Tempe. He completed 216 of 350 passes (61.7%) for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and just six interceptions. He averaged 8.2 yards per attempt and posted a 150.2 quarterback rating—all as a freshman.
His poise in the pocket, quick release, and ability to push the ball downfield stood out, helping with the success the Sun Devils showed this past season. Now, with more talent around him and a year of Big 12 experience under his belt, expectations are rising.
Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) passes the ball against the Texas Longhorns during the first half of the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Leavitt’s inclusion on Staples’s list is especially notable considering some of the company he’s keeping. Other QBs listed include LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier, Texas Tech’s John Mateer, and Penn State’s Drew Allar.
ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham has made no secret of his belief in Leavitt as the face of the program’s future, and national analysts are starting to agree.
If Leavitt can continue developing and take another step forward this fall, the Sun Devils may not just have a future star on their hands—but one of college football’s elite quarterbacks.
ASU’s final rotation player from 2024 enters transfer portal
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, exclusive content, and access to our seasonal magazines! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Reporter Reyna Stanley covers the Phoenix Mercury and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on X @rey_stanley776.
