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Leavitt’s season-ending injury hits ASU’s offense as questions rise about his future

© Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TEMPE — Arizona State has been hit with more bad news as starting quarterback Sam Leavitt will miss the rest of the 2025 season.

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Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) warms up before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) warms up before the game against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

According to head coach Kenny Dillingham, the sophomore will undergo surgery on his right foot. Leavitt sustained the injury on Sept. 20 against Baylor and played through it, missing a few starts before it worsened after Saturday’s game against Houston.

Leavitt is coming off a breakout 2024 season, during which he was named the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, showcasing his abilities as both a passer and a runner. Without his presence on the field, ASU will need to adjust its offensive strategy.

While Jeff Sims will presumably step in as the starter, it will be difficult for the team to match the same level of production without Leavitt. The loss of Leavitt’s mobility will affect everything from play-calling to tempo.

The injury affects not only this season but also Leavitt’s future.

Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of the jersey of Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Leavitt’s chances of being selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, the first year he will be eligible, could take a hit. Instead of evaluating his on-field performance, scouts will now focus on his injury history and the progress of his recovery.

The sophomore ends his 2025 season with a 60.7% completion rate, 1,628 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Leavitt’s commitment to playing through pain demonstrates his determination to see his team succeed. A leader in his own right, his absence will no doubt be felt on the field, but this is when the Sun Devils need to come together even more. The team has faced plenty of challenges this season and this may be its biggest yet.

Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Arizona State has always been an “us” program, and now it must embrace the next-man-up mentality more than ever as the Sun Devils continue their push to defend their Big 12 Championship.

Leavitt’s sudden midseason exit has also weighed heavily on fans who were hoping to see him back in action.

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) scrambles out of the pocket against TCU during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Sept. 26, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This isn’t the news ASU wanted to hear, but the season isn’t over. There’s still plenty of time for the Sun Devils to prove to themselves, and to the nation, that they can keep going.

It’ll be up to them to embrace the challenges and overcome, or risk falling out of playoff contention.

Arizona State and Iowa State play on Saturday, Nov. 1, at 10 a.m.

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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde

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