So Sad: Arizona State Star Sam Leavitt Rejects NFL Draft to Enter Transfer Portal
In a shocking move that has left fans stunned and the Arizona State football program reeling, redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt has announced that he will not declare for the upcoming NFL Draft—instead, he’s entering the NCAA transfer portal. The news, confirmed early Thursday morning via Leavitt’s social media, ends weeks of speculation about his future and delivers a major blow to a Sun Devils team that had hoped to build around his talents in the coming season.
Leavitt, a four-star recruit from Oregon, transferred to Arizona State from Michigan State last year and quickly rose through the ranks, taking over the starting role midway through the 2024 season. His impact was immediate. Known for his poise under pressure, mobility, and rocket arm, Leavitt helped spark a late-season turnaround for the Sun Devils, leading them to three straight wins and earning Pac-12 Freshman of the Week honors twice.
But as the offseason began, whispers of NFL interest grew louder. Scouts had taken notice of his natural talent, even suggesting that with another year of development, he could become a top-tier draft pick. Others speculated that Leavitt, clearly the face of the rebuilding Arizona State program, might choose to remain in Tempe, lead the Sun Devils through their final Pac-12 campaign, and polish his résumé for the 2026 Draft.
Few, however, anticipated this.
The Announcement
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Leavitt wrote:
“This has been one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make. I love my teammates, my coaches, and Sun Devil Nation. Arizona State believed in me when others didn’t. But after much reflection, prayer, and conversations with my family, I’ve decided to enter the transfer portal and explore new opportunities for my future. I will not be declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft at this time.”
Within minutes, reactions flooded social media. Teammates wished him well. Some fans expressed heartbreak, others anger. For a program that has seen its fair share of instability in recent years, the loss of a cornerstone like Leavitt feels particularly painful.
Why Leave Now?
While Leavitt’s statement did not elaborate on his reasons, sources close to the program suggest several contributing factors. Arizona State has undergone considerable coaching turnover in the past year, and despite head coach Kenny Dillingham’s commitment to player development, behind-the-scenes tensions reportedly emerged during spring practice. NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) opportunities elsewhere are also rumored to be a factor.
“With the transfer portal and NIL deals, the college football landscape has changed dramatically,” said an anonymous assistant coach. “Sam’s a special talent, and he’s going to get offers—both football and financial—that ASU just can’t match right now.”
Rumors have already begun circulating about potential landing spots. Oregon, Washington, and even SEC powerhouse Florida are said to be interested, though no official visits have been confirmed.
What This Means for Arizona State
Leavitt’s departure is not just the loss of a talented quarterback—it’s a symbolic blow to a program fighting for relevance in an increasingly competitive college football environment. With the Pac-12 conference set to dissolve and realignment chaos spreading, Arizona State had pinned much of its future hopes on Leavitt’s development.
“This one hurts,” Dillingham said in a brief press conference. “We wish Sam nothing but the best. He’s a great kid and an even better athlete. We’ll regroup, we’ll adapt, and we’ll find the next guy. That’s what we do.”
But the path forward won’t be easy. Without Leavitt, the Sun Devils return to square one at the quarterback position, with a thin depth chart and few proven options.
The Bigger Picture
Sam Leavitt’s decision underscores the new reality of college football. Players, now empowered by transfer freedom and NIL deals, are making choices based not just on loyalty or development—but on opportunity. While some fans lament this shift, others argue that it’s only fair players have the same freedoms coaches have long enjoyed.
For Leavitt, the move opens new doors. Whether he lands at a perennial contender or builds his brand in a larger market, one thing is clear: his journey is far from over.
As for Arizona State, the road ahead is uncertain. And for Sun Devil fans, the sting of this decision will linger long into the fall.