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ASU QB Sam Leavitt skips team banquet, sparks fan backlash

Sep 13, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt warms up before the game between Arizona State Sun Devils and Texas State Bobcats. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
© Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

TEMPE — Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt may have offered a hint about his future with the program by his absence from the team’s banquet on Sunday night.

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defensive lineman Eddie Walls III (90) at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

ASU Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) scrambles away from Houston Cougars defensive lineman Eddie Walls III (90) at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

According to Sun Devil Source’s Chris Karpman, Leavitt was the only captain not present, though he was still honored by head coach Kenny Dillingham for his contributions this season.

Karpman reported that Dillingham told the audience he “wished [Leavitt] well in whatever his future may hold.”

Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates with head coach Kenny Dillingham after their win against TCU Horned Frogs at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images

Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates with head coach Kenny Dillingham after their win against TCU Horned Frogs at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images

Leavitt helped lead the Sun Devils to the Big 12 Championship and a College Football Playoff berth last season. However, his 2025 campaign was cut short in October after a foot injury that continued to aggravate him midseason.

He finished the year with 1,628 passing yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) talks with injured quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The no-show, combined with Dillingham’s remarks, strongly suggests Leavitt’s time in the Valley may be coming to an end. Speculation has already circulated about him entering the transfer portal and moving on from Arizona State, though he has not publicly announced a decision.

If the quarterback does depart, the Sun Devils will face a significant offseason challenge in finding a replacement who can match his dual-threat ability as both a passer and runner.

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

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

ASU fans have expressed confusion and frustration over the quarterback’s absence, especially given his popularity and his status as one of the players considered a pillar to the program’s rise.

As the 2025 season winds down and 2026 approaches, all eyes will be on Leavitt and where he ultimately chooses to continue his career: with the Sun Devils or elsewhere.

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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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