Speculation mounts on CFB coach’s future with star QB expected to transfer
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Sam Leavitt’s debut campaign with Arizona State was a dream. The Michigan State transfer, alongside running back Cam Skattebo, carried the Sun Devils to their first Big 12 championship and nearly reached the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2024. A foot injury derailed much of his aspirations for 2025. But now, his future in Tempe is in peril.
On Tuesday morning, On3 Sports’ Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos reported Leavitt is “doubtful” to return to Arizona State in 2026. The rising junior quarterback’s camp is said to be “actively shopping” him “at a high level.”
Leavitt completed 60.7% of his passes (145/239) for 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns and 3 interceptions in 7 games this year. He added another 300 yards and 5 touchdowns on the ground despite dealing with a Lisfranc injury all season long. That ailment finally proved too much to bear during Arizona State’s 25-16 loss to Houston on Oct. 25.
The report concerning Leavitt comes on the heels of Sun Devil head coach Kenny Dillingham declaring he “was never leaving” his alma mater after speculation that he’d be in the running for one of college football’s more premier openings, such as Auburn, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2019. The news about his quarterback, though, has reignited the flames of his potential departure.
Regardless of Dillingham’s rumors, Leavitt is sure to be a hot commodity. The transfer portal officially opens on Jan. 2, 2026.
