Arizona State's Star Quarterback Sam Leavitt is Set to Make a Miraculous Comeback – But Will It Be Enough to Turn the Tide Against Texas Tech?
Imagine the drama of a high-stakes football season hanging in the balance, where one player's health could decide the fate of a team's playoff dreams. That's exactly the situation unfolding for Arizona State, as their standout quarterback Sam Leavitt, sidelined last weekend, appears poised to return to the field this Saturday against the powerful No. 7 Texas Tech Red Raiders. According to a report from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz on Wednesday night, Leavitt is 'likely to play,' sparking excitement and speculation among fans. But here's where it gets controversial: Is rushing a key player back from a nagging injury the smart move for the Sun Devils, or could it backfire in a big way? Let's dive into the details and see what this means for both teams.
Leavitt missed the Sun Devils' matchup against Utah last Saturday due to a right foot injury, but he's been putting in the work all week, practicing diligently each day as noted by On3's Pete Nakos. For those new to college football, think of it like a student athlete pushing through finals week – it's tough, but the dedication shows. This season, the sophomore has already racked up impressive stats in just five games: 1,039 passing yards, eight touchdowns, and three interceptions. These numbers highlight his role as a dynamic playmaker, capable of driving the offense with precision throws that keep defenses guessing.
Without him, Arizona State suffered a heavy defeat, getting hammered 42-10 by Utah. Veteran quarterback Jeff Sims stepped in as the starter and managed only 124 passing yards on 18 of 38 attempts – a performance that underscores just how central Leavitt is to the team's success. And this is the part most people miss: Sims, with his experience, couldn't replicate Leavitt's impact, showing the unique chemistry and leadership that the younger QB brings to the huddle.
Arizona State's head coach Kenny Dillingham shed light on the injury's backstory in a pre-Utah game interview. "Sam’s been battling something going back to our game against Baylor on September 20," he explained. "The bye week was good for him to get kind of back, and this week it didn’t feel as good as we wanted to… If he plays in the game, it’ll be a mini miracle. I’d be shocked." As it turned out, Leavitt didn't suit up, and the Sun Devils absorbed their second loss of the season, dropping to a 4-2 overall record. Their defeats came at the hands of Mississippi State and Utah, leaving them hungry for redemption halfway through their 2025 campaign.
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Leavitt's influence extends far beyond this year. Last season, he led Arizona State to their first-ever berth in the College Football Playoff – that's the elite postseason tournament where the top teams compete for the national championship, much like the NFL playoffs but for colleges. The Sun Devils entered as the No. 4 seed but were edged out by No. 5 Texas 39-31 in double overtime during the quarterfinals. In that high-pressure game, Leavitt threw for 222 yards but couldn't connect on touchdowns, with one interception highlighting the razor-thin margins in playoff football.
Now, his anticipated return sets the stage for a thrilling quarterback showdown against Texas Tech's Behren Morton. Morton, for his part, has been listed as day-to-day after exiting their recent victory over Kansas, so his availability remains a question mark. Imagine two skilled signal-callers going head-to-head – it's the kind of matchup that could define the game and spark endless debates among fans. Is Morton's aggressive style a perfect foil for Leavitt's precision, or does Leavitt's experience give him the edge? This is where opinions divide: Some argue that playing Leavitt, despite the risks, is a bold gamble that could pay off, while others worry it might exacerbate his injury and derail the team's momentum. What do you think – is the potential reward worth the gamble?
The showdown kicks off Saturday at 4:00 PM ET in Tempe, Arizona, and will be broadcast on FOX. This will be the sixth meeting between the two programs, with Texas Tech having prevailed 30-22 last season – one of Arizona State's only two regular-season losses at the time. As fans gear up for this rivalry clash, the spotlight is firmly on Leavitt's comeback. Will he deliver the heroics needed to upset a top-10 foe, or will the injury prove too much? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you believe Leavitt is ready to shine, or should the Sun Devils play it safe? Let's discuss!
