Reports continue to swirl around Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt as he prepares to enter the transfer portal, and his potential landing spots now include several Big 12 programs. The sophomore signal-caller has already been linked to Big Ten teams like Penn State and Indiana, along with SEC contenders LSU and Ole Miss. Programs such as Miami and Florida State have also surfaced as possible suitors, underscoring the broad national interest in the dual-threat quarterback.
While Arizona State fans may reluctantly accept the idea of Leavitt heading east to a Big Ten or ACC school, the thought of him transferring within the Big 12 is far more difficult to swallow. Several analysts have begun to float the possibility of Leavitt landing with Texas Tech—or another conference rival—setting up the uncomfortable scenario of the Sun Devils facing their former starter in league play next fall.
Sports Illustrated recently listed Texas Tech among its Top 5 landing spots for Leavitt. Columnist Joe Cox noted that with senior Behren Morton nearing the end of his eligibility, the Red Raiders will likely be searching for their next starting quarterback. He also cited Texas Tech’s recent success in the transfer portal and strong defensive play as reasons why the Red Raiders could offer Leavitt a favorable situation.
Adding intrigue to the discussion is the fact that Leavitt already defeated Texas Tech this season. He played a key role in Arizona State’s 26–22 victory over the Red Raiders on Oct. 18—Texas Tech’s only loss of the year to date. That performance has strengthened the belief in some circles that he would be a seamless fit in Lubbock.
Sports Illustrated is not alone in this projection. Analysts from The Athletic, Sportsnaut, and other national outlets have also identified Texas Tech as a realistic destination. Their reasoning centers on Leavitt’s mobility, ceiling as a passer, and compatibility with offensive systems commonly used across the Big 12.
Whether Leavitt ultimately lands at Texas Tech, another Big 12 school, or a program elsewhere, the interest surrounding his impending portal entry is significant. As one of the most dynamic quarterbacks expected to be available this cycle, his decision will be closely monitored across multiple conferences—especially by a Big 12 fanbase that may soon be watching him from much closer than Arizona State supporters would prefer.
