TEMPE — Arizona State fell out of the AP Top 25 on Sunday after being ranked No. 21 the previous week, following ASU’s 42-10 loss to Utah on Saturday night.
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Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Utes quarterback Devon Dampier (4) runs behind the block of tight end Dallen Bentley (88) against Arizona State Sun Devils defensive end Justin Wodtly (95) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
The Sun Devils, now 4-2, were without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, who missed the game due to a right foot/ankle injury. This isn’t the first time the team has been dropped from the Top 25, but it is the first time this season it failed to receive a single vote.
While other results over the weekend also played into the rankings, receiving no votes highlighted just how forgettable ASU’s performance against Utah was and how quickly they’ll need to move on from it.
Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) and Utah Utes cornerback Smith Snowden (2) battle for a passed ball during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Leavitt’s absence was missed against Utah, and without knowing the extent of his injury, it’s unclear when he’ll be cleared to play. After struggling to open the season, the sophomore quarterback found his groove and played significantly better over the last several games, including against TCU on Sept. 26, where he had 291 passing yards and two touchdowns.
It’s unclear how Leavitt’s recovery will affect his play, but his injury has already impacted how ASU operates. After what seemed like an offensive breakthrough, Arizona State will need to figure out how to find success without him, while also preparing to ease him back into action once he recovers.
ASU’s drop in the rankings comes at a tough time for Valley sports fans, following the Phoenix Mercury’s sweep in the WNBA Finals and the Arizona Cardinals’ loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Fans didn’t need more bad news on top of an already rough weekend for their sports teams.
Oct 11, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Raleek Brown (3) runs against Utah Utes cornerback Smith Snowden (2) and linebacker Johnathan Hall (7) during the second quarter at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
No. 7 Texas Tech is ASU’s next challenge, as the team needs to regroup and make key adjustments to compete at that level. Dropping out of the Top 25 could serve as a wake-up call, emphasizing the need for the team to rally when a player goes down and embrace a “next man up” mentality.
With an even tougher opponent looming, the Sun Devils will have a chance to redeem themselves, with or without Leavitt, or risk dropping another game.
He makes a man miss and takes it in for six 🔱
📺ESPN pic.twitter.com/A9RLyzMObG
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 12, 2025
Arizona State faces Texas Tech on Saturday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
Arizona State stumbles against Utah as Leavitt absence highlights importance
