Sam Leavitt Filled With Regret Reliving Heartbreak From Playoff Loss to Texas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 11:06 AM ET

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt didn’t hold back while reflecting on the Sun Devils’ heartbreaking 31-27 loss to Texas in last season’s College Football Playoff semifinal. Appearing on ESPN’s "Always College Football" with Greg McElroy, Leavitt spoke candidly about the missed opportunities that still haunt him months later.

"If you go back and watch the tape. We had so many red zone possessions where we should've scored. A missed field goal. So many points left off the board," Leavitt said. "To put it in perspective, it's not (just) that we can go play against these guys. We should go play against these guys and win. So I'm trying to instill that in the guys and in myself. To go play with the best and be the best."

Leavitt, who threw for 289 yards, two touchdowns with one interception against the Longhorns, also rushed for 54 yards in the game. However, Arizona State went just 2-for-5 in the red zone and missed a crucial 41-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter that would have tied the game.

One key moment came in the second quarter when the Sun Devils drove to the Texas 7-yard line but settled for a short field goal after three straight incompletions. Later, a third-down sack at the Texas' 19-yard-line forced another field goal attempt—one that clanked off the left upright. Those missed chances proved costly.

The loss marked the end of a remarkable season for Arizona State, which surprised many by reaching the playoff in Kenny Dillingham’s second year as head coach. With Leavitt returning under center and a core of veteran playmakers back on both sides of the ball, expectations are sky-high in Tempe heading into 2025.

But for Leavitt, the focus remains sharper than ever: finishing what they started.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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