Talented quarterback Sam Leavitt re-enters the portal. Former Spartan standout seeks a new home, bringing proven leadership and impressive dual-threat ability.
One-time Michigan State Spartan Sam Leavitt is making headlines again as he heads back to the transfer portal. The current quarterback of the Arizona State Sun Devils has decided to leave the program, marking another chapter in his already eventful collegiate career. Leavitt initially arrived at Arizona State through the transfer portal a few years ago, and his next landing spot will be one of the most closely watched moves of the offseason.
Leavitt’s journey began at Michigan State, where he committed under then-head coach Mel Tucker. At the time, there was a lot of excitement surrounding his signing, both from the program and Leavitt himself. However, things quickly changed when Tucker was fired and Jonathan Smith became the 26th head coach of MSU football. This transition brought challenges for Leavitt, as he has openly admitted to having “hard feelings” toward Smith.
Despite being born in Portland, Oregon, attending Westview High School for his freshman and junior years, and West Linn High School for his senior year, Leavitt was overlooked by Smith during his recruiting process. Leavitt’s high school credentials were impressive. He was named the Oregon Gatorade Football Player of the Year in 2022 after passing for 3,184 yards and 36 touchdowns. So, for Smith to overlook Leavitt, grudges were held.
With the departure of Leavitt, Smith chose to pursue Aidan Chiles, a quarterback who had spent his freshman year in Corvallis before following Smith to Michigan State. Both Chiles and Smith are now out at Michigan State in less-than-stellar circumstances.
For Leavitt, frustration seems to be a recurring theme. Reports as early as November suggested that his return to Arizona State was uncertain, and recent developments confirm that he even skipped his team’s end-of-season banquet despite being named team captain. However, while grievances exist, so does undeniable talent and leadership on the field. Leavitt has consistently proven he can lead a team to victories, even under challenging circumstances.
Two years ago, he guided Arizona State to the NCAA quarterfinals and nearly pulled off a historic upset over Texas in the semifinals. Although the team struggled to recapture that success during his most recent season—largely due to injuries—Leavitt still posted impressive statistics. In 2025, he started seven games, finishing with a 5-2 record, a 60.7% completion rate, 1,628 passing yards, and a 10:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio. He also demonstrated his versatility, running 73 times for 306 yards and five rushing touchdowns. These numbers underscore his ability to contribute both through the air and on the ground.
With his combination of experience, talent, and proven leadership, Leavitt is expected to be a highly sought-after prospect once the transfer portal opens in January. Programs looking for a “win-now” quarterback will likely pursue him aggressively, and a return to the Big Ten remains a real possibility. If he faces Michigan State again in the future, fans should anticipate a motivated, high-caliber performance from a player with something to prove.
As the transfer portal opens in January, Sam Leavitt’s next move will be one of the most intriguing storylines of the offseason, with multiple programs likely eager to secure a quarterback with a winning pedigree and the drive to succeed at the highest level.