Arizona State entered 2024 fresh off of back-to-back 3-9 seasons and was predicted to finish last in the Big 12. The Sun Devils burst onto the national scene, going 11-3 and winning the Big 12 Championship in their first year in the conference. Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt led their improbable run to the College Football Playoff. Leavitt now projects as one of the top prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. How does his game translate to the NFL level?
Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt answers questions from the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star.
Sam Leavitt 2026 NFL Draft Profile
Background
Leavitt was a four-star recruit and the 18th-ranked quarterback prospect in the Class of 2023. He began his college career at Michigan State, seeing action in four games. The true freshman completed 15 of 23 passes for 139 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions in 2023. Leavitt transferred after one season in East Lansing and landed with Arizona State. In 13 starts, he threw for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. His improvement was noticeable throughout the season, throwing 16 touchdowns to just two picks in his last seven games.
Strengths
Athleticism is a big part of Leavitt’s game, as he rushed for 443 yards and five touchdowns in 2024. If the play breaks down, he can to take off and create problems for defenses in open space. While he is on the smaller end of quarterbacks, Leavitt shows the willingness to run through defenders and fight for every yard. Leavitt also displays good pocket awareness, which, combined with his mobility, makes him an elusive playmaker. As a passer, Leavitt has very good arm strength and can attack defenses downfield. His throws have plenty of zip on them, giving him the ability to thread passes into tight windows. Leavitt isn’t just a fastball thrower, as he can put touch on his throws and layer the ball between coverages. One of his strengths is working off play action and throwing as he is rolling out of the pocket.
Weaknesses
Leavitt’s aforementioned size is an area of concern, measuring in at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds. His smaller frame can be a cause for injury concern, especially when facing NFL-caliber defenders. Leavitt missed a game against Cincinnati with a rib injury he suffered the prior week. His mechanics also can use improvement, although this is a fixable trait for a young player. Leavitt’s ball placement is very hit-and-miss. While he certainly has shown the ability to put the ball where it needs to be, there are times when poor placement leads to incompletions.
Outlook
The traits of a franchise quarterback are present with Leavitt. His combination of velocity and athleticism stands out in a stacked 2026 quarterback class. There are nuanced parts of his game that can be improved, but he is still a very young player and showed plenty of promise in his first season as a starter. Leavitt’s play style is similar to Bo Nix, who also found success playing in Kenny Dillingham’s system.
The Sun Devils’ potent rushing offense helped Leavitt utilize his play-action passing ability. With the departure of Cam Skattebo, that same level of support in the run game may not be there in 2025. Leavitt’s favorite target, Jordyn Tyson, will be back after missing the final two games of 2024. Although his sample size is still small, a strong 2025 campaign can result in Leavitt hearing his name called in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
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