ASU QB Sam Leavitt Out For Season With Foot Injury

TEMPE, Ariz. – Arizona State’s highly-touted freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt will miss the remainder of the 2023 football season after undergoing surgery for a lingering right foot injury, head coach Kenny Dillingham announced Monday, October 23rd. The surgery, which has already taken place, aims to address the issue that has kept Leavitt sidelined.

Dillingham expressed optimism about Leavitt’s recovery, stating that he expects the young signal-caller to be “100 percent in the spring” for practice sessions, allowing him to fully participate in preparations for the 2024 season. Despite the setback, Dillingham praised Leavitt’s character and competitive fire, highlighting his dedication even through adversity.

Leavitt, a true freshman, saw limited action in just two games this season: against Southern Utah on September 9th and versus Colorado on October 7th. In those appearances, he threw only one pass. Crucially, because he played in fewer than the NCAA’s four-game limit, Leavitt will be able to preserve his redshirt year, effectively getting this season of eligibility back. This means he will enter the 2024 season as a redshirt freshman with four years of eligibility remaining.

The news comes as the Sun Devils navigate a challenging 2023 season, currently holding a 1-7 overall record as of Leavitt’s announcement. The quarterback position has seen considerable fluidity, with veterans Trenton Bourguet and Drew Pyne, along with Jacob Conover, all seeing time under center. Leavitt had been actively competing with Bourguet and Pyne for the starting job throughout fall camp and into the early part of the season.

A four-star prospect from West Linn, Oregon, Leavitt joined the Sun Devils this year after transferring from Michigan State. He was a highly sought-after recruit in the 2023 class, rated as the No. 16 quarterback nationally and the No. 3 player in Oregon by 247Sports Composite. Prior to committing to Michigan State, Leavitt had originally committed to Oregon and then Washington State, showcasing a high level of interest from multiple Power Five programs. His decision to transfer to Arizona State was largely seen as an opportunity to compete for early playing time under first-year head coach Dillingham, known for his offensive prowess.

While his debut season was cut short, the ability to redshirt and return fully healthy for spring practice positions Leavitt for a significant role in the Sun Devils’ future plans. He is expected to rejoin the quarterback competition for the 2024 season, aiming to contend for the starting spot in Dillingham’s developing program.