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TEMPE –The 2025 NFL draft is less than three weeks away, and Arizona State football representation will be by running back Cam Skattebo. The star Sun Devil halfback is expected to hear his name on Day 2 of the NFL draft, but he wouldn’t be the only ASU played if eligibility wasn’t a problem.
Pro Football Focus’ Max Chadwick ranked the top 10 quarterback prospects if everyone was eligible. Sun Devils redshirt sophomore starting quarterback Sam Leavitt easily cracked the list, finding himself at 7th.
Chadwick on the ASU QB:
“The redshirt freshman’s 89.1 PFF grade was ninth among FBS quarterbacks, and he was the only Power Four signal-caller with 80-plus grades both as a passer and as a runner. Leavitt needs to add some mass to his 200-pound frame, but he’s an electric athlete with enough arm talent to start at the NFL level.”
In his first year at ASU, Leavitt threw for 2,885 passing yards and had 24 touchdowns in the air while running for five more on the ground. The Michigan State transfer highlighted his versatility on the ground and in the air, helping lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoffs.
The trio of Skattebo, Leavitt, and head coach Kenny Dillingham was a match made in heaven and elevated the program to the top of college football. The Redshirt sophomore’s stock is the highest it has ever been, and if allowed, would be a top 10 QB prospect in this year’s draft.
However, entering the 2025 season, he has an opportunity to raise his draft stock even higher with all eyes on ASU. How Leavitt handles the pressure of being the program’s captain will be indicative of a possible future in the NFL. If it’s anything like 2024, he’ll be there in no time.
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TODAY'S BEST
Brent Venables is in much higher spirits regarding the Oklahoma Sooners offense compared to last offseason
At this point in last year's offseason, there was a fair bit of skepticism already building on just how good the Oklahoma Sooners would be offensively. Multiple practice highlights were produced, with most being interceptions, in an effort to drum up buzz around the defense being good. As it turns out, the defense was good and the offense was that bad. While we initially thought it was a good sign that a true freshman like Michael Hawkins was keeping up with Jackson Arnold, it actually served as an indictment of Arnold's ability in the offseason. This season, Brent Venables feels much more comfortable with the way the offense is performing in practice, and openly admitted that last year's offense wasn't fun to watch. "Last year, there wasn't a lot of competition (in practice), the defense was really dominant. And this year, the offense has been able to punch back from almost the very first practice. That's what you want, that's when you know you feel like you have a pretty good team. There's ebbs and flows, there's back and forth. You're never happy with anything because everybody is having some success. As a byproduct, our team has elevated. John and some of the other explosive playmakers we've been able bring in on offense-Jaydn Ott, some of the receivers, the tight end group-we're deeper and more capable than a year ago." The optimism surrounding the new look offense under new offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle and the slew of transfer portal additions has been a constant theme of the offseason, unlike this time last season. If the old adage of iron sharpens iron holds up for the Oklahoma Sooners, then this season should be much more enjoyable for all parties involved moving forward with a dynamic offense and dominant defense.
NFC scouting director tells ESPN that a Tennessee Vols player is one of the 'best in the country'
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Steelers' Aaron Rodgers Had 1 Special Request For Teammates
The Pittsburgh Steelers have gotten training camp underway, and it’s a very exciting time for all football fans. The 2025 season is getting closer by the day, and with players finally back on the field, the energy around the team is building fast. In Pittsburgh, that buzz is especially strong this year, largely because of new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers brings experience, leadership, and championship expectations to a Steelers team that believes it can compete at the highest level. As he arrived at training camp, one moment quickly gained attention. According to ESPN Steelers insider Brooke Pryor, Rodgers had one special request for his teammates that he believes is critical to their success this season. To put it simply, it sounds as if Rodgers reportedly asked his teammates to fully commit to one another. He stressed the importance of trust, communication, and total buy-in from every player in the locker room. For Rodgers, it’s not just about talent or scheme. It’s about building a team that believes in the same mission and is willing to fight for each other every step of the way. "Aaron Rodgers had one request of his new Pittsburgh teammates: keep an open mind," Pryor said in her latest article for ESPN. "Rodgers asked his teammates to get to know him without any preconceived notions before making any judgments." When it was revealed that the Steelers were pursuing Rodgers, many fans quickly labeled him a diva or an attention seeker. Those types of criticisms have followed him for years, and while some of it might be fair to discuss, it doesn’t tell the full story. What Rodgers has shown in Pittsburgh so far has been quite the opposite. Since arriving at training camp, Rodgers has carried himself with leadership, professionalism, and humility. He didn’t come in expecting everyone to bow down to him because he’s a four-time league MVP. Instead, he made it clear that he wants to earn the right to lead this team. Rodgers has focused on building relationships and gaining the trust of his teammates. He understands that leadership is not something you demand, but something you prove through action and consistency. That attitude has already made a strong impression inside the Steelers’ locker room. For Steelers fans, this should be an encouraging sign. Rodgers’ mindset and approach could be a huge factor in helping this team reach its full potential in the 2025 season. His leadership may end up being just as valuable as his talent on the field. Mike Tomlin hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. He feels that pressure and gladly totes those bags. He knows the pressure is on him to get a playoff win and make a deep run in 2025 now that he got Rodgers. Steelers' Will Howard Expected To Be The Biggest Winner From Aaron Rodgers Joining Pittsburgh One of the biggest winners from Rodgers joining the Steelers is clearly rookie quarterback Will Howard. Despite falling to the sixth round in the 2025 NFL Draft, Howard enters the NFL with an impressive resume, having led Ohio State to a National Championship victory in the 2024 college football season. He consistently elevated the talent around him and carries a strong belief in his ability to grow at the next level. Now, Howard finds himself in an ideal situation. Not only does he get to learn behind one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, but he also gets a version of Rodgers who is motivated, focused, and eager to mentor. Rodgers has already made it clear that he plans to take Howard under his wing. For a rookie in Howard’s position, this is like hitting the jackpot. The opportunity to develop behind a future Hall of Famer who is willing to invest in your growth is rare. If Howard takes full advantage, this could be the perfect start to a long and successful NFL career.
Two Teams Linked to a Trade with Bruins for Pavel Zacha
The Boston Bruins are gauging trade interest in forward Pavel Zacha, according to The Fourth Period. Following a down season and a trade deadline where Zacha’s name was thrown around but was ultimately not moved, Bruins GM Don Sweeney is trying to move the 27-year-old Czech center. Zacha is playing in the final season of a contract that has a $4.75 million cap hit. Zacha, acquired from the New Jersey Devils in 2022 for Erik Haula, has been a solid pickup for Boston. He posted 21 goals and 57 points in 78 games in 2023-24, though his production dipped slightly to 47 points over a full 82-game slate last season. He can play up and down the lineup and has a strong two-way game. Who Has Shown Interest in a Zacha Trade? Two teams reportedly monitoring Zacha are the Vancouver Canucks and the Utah Hockey Club. Both teams are seeking top-six forward depth and would value Zacha’s steady offensive contributions. The Canucks have been busy all summer, signing and trading players. They have also been linked to Jack Roslovic talks in free agency, meaning they wouldn’t be adding both. Utah has been looking to make a splash this season and work their way up the standings in an attempt to compete for the playoffs. The Bruins would likely demand a notable return, but neither team is looking to send players back. The trade would likely involve a high pick or a mid-tier prospect. Zacha controls part of the process with an eight-team no-trade list. He’s owed just $3.75 million in actual salary each of the next two seasons, further boosting his trade appeal.
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