For the second time in the past five years, Arizona State is losing a star quarterback to the transfer portal. And this time, it’s a former Michigan State quarterback who’s leaving the program.
A few years ago, Jayden Daniels decided to leave Arizona State for LSU, but at that point in time, the program was a sinking ship. All Daniels did after leaving Arizona State was win the Heisman Trophy and getting drafted No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Leaving Arizona State was a smart business decision for Daniels, and now another gunslinger is looking to follow in his footsteps.
That quarterback is none other than former Spartan Sam Leavitt.
On Monday afternoon after being the only captain not at the team banquet, reports leaked that Leavitt intends to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal.
BREAKING: Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt intends to enter the transfer portal, per source. pic.twitter.com/buX1MRkIBm
— Anthony Totri (@Anthony_Totri) December 8, 2025
This is a shocking move considering he only got better under Kenny Dillingham, and injuries really limited him in 2025. He was looking like a legitimate All-Big 12 candidate before going down with an injury. He was limited to just seven games this past season, finishing with 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air — he ran for another 306 yards and five scores.
Leavitt would have been the clear starter for a Big 12 contender in 2026.
Sam Leavitt turns an entire fanbase against him
When Leavitt transferred from Michigan State, it was expected. He was recruited by Mel Tucker and expected to play for him, but he was fired just a few games into his freshman season. Leavitt opted to look for a new, stable home, especially since it was rumored that he and former Michigan State Jonathan Smith didn’t see eye-to-eye after not being recruited by the former Oregon State head coach.
Michigan State fans didn’t like the news, but they understood. But after thinking about it, it seemed petty to leave just because the coach didn’t recruit him in high school — Smith probably didn’t think he had much of a shot.
It was an understandable move by Leavitt.
This one, however, is not so understandable. There were rumors swirling near the end of the regular season stating that Leavitt was shopping around for better NIL offers elsewhere. Now, he’s officially entering the transfer portal, leaving a program he led to the College Football Playoff 12 months ago.
Arizona State fans are rightfully angry.
Leavitt essentially quit on the program after looking like the face of it a year ago. He went from hero to zero, and this might be even worse than what Daniels did because he seemingly has no plan.
Maybe Leavitt will follow Daniels step-for-step and go to LSU to play for Lane Kiffin next season.