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Sam Leavitt Update Emerges After Injury Against Houston

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 4:28 PM ET

For the second time in the last three games, Sam Leavitt and the Arizona State Sun Devils (5-3) lost. The latest defeat came at the hands of the Houston Cougars (7-1), who were able to pull off a 24-16 victory in Tempe.

There's no doubt that the Cougars have taken major strides from year to year two under Willie Fritz, but the Sun Devils were certainly impacted by Leavitt's health on Saturday. The Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2024 exited the game in both the first and fourth quarter, with his second exit marking the end of his day as the team turned to Jeff Sims the rest of the way.

While Leavitt attempted to soldier through, head coach Kenny Dillingham revealed that he had "tweaked" the same leg that kept him out of the team's Oct. 11 loss to Utah. Despite the nagging injury, Leavitt still completed 18-of-35 passes for 270 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for 22 yards.

However, the injury won't just be one that he bounces back from, as it was confirmed on Tuesday that Leavitt will be sidelined for the team's Week 10 game against the Iowa State Cyclones (5-3).

Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt celebrates after a touchdown run against Iowa State in the Big 12 championship.Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

As reported by CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, Leavitt will miss what is his second game of the season due to the leg injury.

"Arizona State star QB Sam Leavitt is expected to miss this weekend’s game against Iowa State, sources tell me and @ChrisKarpman for @CBSSports," wrote Zenitz. "Was injured during the Sun Devils’ game against Houston this past weekend."

As the defending Big 12 champs, the Sun Devils may have a tough time repeating this season. They sit at 3-2 in conference play, which currently has them tied for the third-best record in the conference with three other teams.

With Cincinnati and BYU both sitting at 5-0 in conference play, they each control their own destiny. With that being said, the Sun Devils will need a little help along the way in order to have a chance to defend their title. According to ESPN's FPI, Arizona State has just a 7.2% chance of winning out, and Leavitt's injury may not help those chances.

Saturday's Big 12 clash is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET and will air on TNT/HBO Max.

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

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