No Sam Leavitt in Crucial Big 12 Matchup

Arizona State’s trip to Ames just got a little tougher. Starting quarterback Sam Leavitt has been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Iowa State, and that leaves the Sun Devils scrambling to patch things together at the most important position on the field.

Leavitt’s been one of the few consistent pieces for Arizona State this season. The Michigan State transfer has thrown for over 1,600 yards and accounted for 10 touchdowns, giving Kenny Dillingham a steady hand in a year where not much else has gone according to plan. He’s taken some lumps along the way, but there’s no question the offense looked better when he was running it. Now the Sun Devils have to figure it out without him.

There hasn’t been an official word on who gets the nod, but it’s expected to be Jeff Sims, who steps in against one of the most disciplined defenses in the Big 12. Iowa State doesn’t flash a ton, but they make you earn every inch, and they rarely beat themselves. That’s a tall order for a backup quarterback walking into Jack Trice Stadium in late October.

Arizona State still has some dudes. Raleek Brown has been dangerous in space, Jordyn Tyson can stretch the field when healthy, and the offensive line has held up better than expected. But let’s be honest, without Leavitt, the game plan probably shifts. Expect more short game, more run-heavy looks, and a lot more pressure on the defense to keep things close.

This is also one of those moments that tests a locker room. It’s late in the year, the starting quarterback is out, and the path to bowl eligibility is looking slim. That’s when you find out what kind of foundation a program really has. Dillingham’s been preaching culture and toughness since the day he got the job. This weekend is a good chance to prove it’s more than just talk.

For Arizona State, this isn’t just about one game. It’s about how you respond when your plans go sideways. The Big 12 is an unforgiving place, and no one’s handing out sympathy cards. The Sun Devils will take the field without their QB1 and try to pull off a win that would turn some heads.

We’ll see what they’re made of.