Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is expected to enter the transfer portal, according to multiple reports, one day after he did not appear at the program’s annual team banquet. The portal officially opens on January 2 and will remain active through January 16. His absence fueled renewed speculation about his future after weeks of uncertainty.
Leavitt, who played a central role in Arizona State’s surprise run to the 2024 Big 12 championship and a College Football Playoff berth, was limited throughout the 2025 season due to a lingering foot injury. He finished this year with 1,628 passing yards and 10 touchdowns in seven appearances before undergoing surgery in early November. His last game action came on October 25 against Houston.
Despite not traveling for road contests following the injury, Leavitt remained active around the program. He participated in practices leading up to the Territorial Cup matchup and, according to teammates, was present daily at the football facility. Over his two seasons in Tempe, after transferring from Michigan State in 2023, he became one of the Sun Devils’ most popular and respected players.
Leavitt’s breakout 2024 campaign — featuring 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions — earned him Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, as well as early Heisman Trophy buzz entering 2025. Even off the field, he made a significant impact, donating proceeds from his merchandise sales back to the ASU collective and contributing to the Pat Tillman Foundation. Reports of his possible portal entry surfaced weeks ago but were initially dismissed by his brother, who said no final decision had been made.
Arizona State faces additional turnover on offense heading into 2026. Leavitt’s top target, standout receiver Jordyn Tyson, is expected to declare for the NFL Draft, and most of the offensive line will also depart. Whether Leavitt stayed or not, head coach Kenny Dillingham was likely to pursue a transfer quarterback, with veteran Jeff Sims out of eligibility and true freshman Cam Dyer serving as the recent backup.
The Sun Devils do have reinforcements on the way, including highly regarded quarterback signee Jake Fette, but Leavitt’s expected departure adds another major challenge to an already transformative offseason. With his proven production and upside, Leavitt is expected to draw significant interest once he officially enters the transfer portal next month.
