Is Sam Leavitt leaving Arizona State? Saga takes another turn
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The saga of Sam Leavitt took another turn.
The Arizona State sophomore quarterback, who has been the subject of transfer rumors in the wake of a season-ending foot injury, was reportedly not present at the team’s year-end banquet on Dec. 7 at the JW Marriott Scottsdale Camelback Inn Resort & Spa.
A day after Leavitt no-showed at the team banquet, multiple reports said he is indeed headed to the transfer portal, which officially opens Jan. 2.
The annual event took place hours after it was formally announced that the Sun Devils (8-4) would be taking on ACC champion Duke (8-5) in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl on Dec. 31. A source who was present at the event confirmed Leavitt was the only team captain not attending the festivities. Coach Kenny Dillingham spoke about the captains and, in what was obviously an awkward situation, wished Leavitt well on whatever decision he makes.
Leavitt, who helped the Sun Devils to an unexpected Big 12 championship and a berth in the College Football Playoffs in 2024, played in just seven games this season, throwing for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns. He last played against Houston on Oct. 25. He had foot surgery during the first week of November.
Leavitt did not travel with the team to road games. He was with the team at practices leading up to the Territorial Cup game against Arizona. His teammates have said he has been at the football facility every day.
His absence from the team banquet further fueled speculation about the transfer rumors first floated by On3 three weeks ago. At that time, the quarterback’s brother, Dallin Leavitt, said no decision had been made about leaving ASU.
Leavitt is being paid an estimated $3.1 million to play at ASU.
The transfer portal opens on Jan. 2 and remains open for two weeks. So far, the only ASU players who have indicated their plans to enter are linebacker Tate Romney and offensive lineman Joey Su’a, both backups.
Whether Leavitt returned or not, Dillingham was likely going to pursue a quarterback in the transfer portal. Leavitt’s replacement, Jeff Sims, is out of eligibility, and Sims’ backup over the last few games has been a true freshman in Cam Dyer. The Sun Devils have a highly touted quarterback in Jake Fette, who was part of the just-signed recruiting class.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sam Leavitt’s absence from ASU banquet fuels transfer speculation
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