Former Michigan State football QB wins Arizona State starting job
Sam Leavitt, a former Michigan State football quarterback, has been hard at work ever since transferring away from East Lansing.
The Oregon-native transferred to Arizona State where he had a strong spring which led to the transfer of former five-star Jaden Rashada and he now looks like the starting quarterback after a good start to his fall camp.
Although he'd been battling with Nebraska transfer Jeff Sims for the starting job, it looks like Leavitt won it and will be kicking off the season as Arizona State's QB1.
Sources: Sam Leavitt has been named the starting quarterback at Arizona State for the opener against Wyoming. He beat out transfer Jeff Sims (Georgia Tech/Nebraska), and both have been informed of the decision. pic.twitter.com/sfFzEMMFZJ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 19, 2024
This is not the most shocking development this offseason for a former Michigan State player and you have to feel good for the kid who bet on himself, but it also makes you wonder "what if?" in terms of staying in East Lansing. Sure, the Spartans got Aidan Chiles who, by all accounts, seems to be the better option, but Leavitt's career at Michigan State was so short-lived.
It'll be interesting to compare the careers of Leavitt, Chiles, and Katin Houser down the line to see who really won this offseason. I'll obviously hope that the best happens for all three guys, but my bet is on Chiles being the best of the bunch.
Leavitt may not be too far behind, though.
Forcing the transfer of a former five-star recruit and beating out a veteran quarterback who started at both Georgia Tech and Nebraska is impressive and Leavitt is going to be a problem for opposing Big 12 defenses this year. Plus, Kenny Dillingham is somewhat of a quarterback whisperer (just ask Bo Nix) and I could see Leavitt benefitting big-time.