AMES — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham expressed great appreciation for ASU quarterback Jeff Sims after his historic performance against Iowa State on Saturday.
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Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sims filled in for Sam Leavitt after the ASU starting quarterback was ruled out for the season and needed surgery. He led the team to a 24-19 victory, completing 13 of 24 passes for 177 yards and one touchdown.
In the midst of the game, Sims made ASU history by rushing for 228 yards on 29 carries, the most by a quarterback in program history, including two touchdowns.
“Talk about battling,” Dillingham said on the TNT broadcast. “That was the definition of battling by [Sims]. That kid chose to stay here to be part of this team. Crazy.”
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) runs with the ball as Iowa State Cyclones’ linebacker Will McLaughlin (23) rushes to tackle during the first quarter in the Big-12 showdown at jack Trice Stadium on Nov. 1, 2025, in Ames, Iowa.
Sims’ performance was a testament not only to his talent but also to the program’s ability to adapt under pressure. With a key player out for the rest of the season, the Sun Devils needed someone to step up, and Sims delivered on Saturday.
With questions about the team’s playoff chances growing with Leavitt’s absence, the win against Iowa State and Sims’ historic performance gave ASU renewed hope and another reason they shouldn’t be overlooked despite the challenges they still face.
“Our guys are fighters,” said Dillingham. “They’re gonna fight, that’s one thing we’re gonna do. We may win, we may lose… But we’re gonna fight.”
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) battle for a few yards as Iowa State Cyclones’ linebacker Caleb Bacon (26) attempts to tackle during the first quarter in the Big-12 showdown at jack Trice Stadium on Nov. 1, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. © Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Dillingham has stressed the importance of maintaining consistency and learning from every game throughout the season, and Saturday’s victory offers plenty of positives, especially as Sims continues to settle into his new role as a starter.
ASU now has two weeks to recover and refine its offensive game plan, as the Sun Devils hope to carry momentum into their next home game.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for giving me this opportunity. It feels amazing.”
Jeff Sims after his 405 total yards and three touchdown performance in ASU’s gutsy road win over Iowa State. pic.twitter.com/1dqBZxE6M5
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) November 1, 2025
Arizona State and West Virginia will play on Saturday, Nov. 15.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Sims helps lead Arizona State to win over Iowa State with big performance
