AMES — Arizona State quarterback Jeff Sims is turning heads after his performance against Iowa State on Saturday.
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Oct 5, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (6) against the Kansas Jayhawks at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Sims, a redshirt senior, was named the starting quarterback after sophomore Sam Leavitt was ruled out for the season due to injury. While replicating Leavitt’s offense is no easy task, Sims focused and delivered a strong performance in his second start of the season.
The Sun Devils ended the first half leading the Cyclones 17-16, fueled by a small offensive surge from Sims. He completed 11 of 17 passes for one touchdown and added a rushing score. Despite throwing his first interception at ASU, Iowa State was unable to capitalize on it.
Sims really showed what he was capable of in the second half.
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
Sims’ rushing ability was on full display during ASU’s second drive in the third quarter, when he ran 88 yards for his second rushing touchdown of the day. Although Arizona State was unable to score in the fourth quarter, the defense did enough to keep the Sun Devils on top for a 24-19 win against the Cyclones.
The ASU quarterback finished the day completing 13 of 24 passes for 177 yards and one touchdown. He also had 29 carries for 228 yards and two rushing touchdowns.
For many Arizona State fans, Leavitt’s absence left questions about how the team would adapt without him. After Sims’ performance, some are now a little more optimistic about the team’s future.
Jeff Sims literally carried this #sundevils team to a Win. pic.twitter.com/q3t9HrXaxh
— AZborn87 (@jsz1987) November 1, 2025
One of the tougher, grittier, wins by an Arizona State team that I’ve ever seen.
Jeff Sims was a warrior. Gave it his all.
Go Devils! 🔱— Anthony DeFalco (@addefalco) November 1, 2025
Overjoyed for Jeff Sims. He stepped up and played with heart! Set a single game rushing record for a Sun Devil QB. Go off, bro! @JeffSims_10!!!
— Uniformity (@ASU_Uniformity) November 1, 2025
Nov 1, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones linebacker Will McLaughlin (23) looks to tackle Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) during the first half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
While this is only the beginning of the rest of the season without their star quarterback, Arizona State may have started finding ways to keep its playoff hopes alive. Whether that means letting Sims continue to throw the ball or leaning more on the running game, it could be a sign that ASU is moving in the right direction after losing a key player.
JEFF SIMS BREAKS FREE
88-YARD RUSHING TOUCHDOWN
WOW pic.twitter.com/6H6JlcnebM
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) November 1, 2025
Arizona State will face West Virginia 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
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