Yardbarker
x
Sun Devils Player Profile: Jeff Sims
Arizona State quarterback Jeff Sims (2) during spring football practice at Kajikawa practice fields in Tempe on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arizona State has an unquestioned starting quarterback heading into the 2025 season.

Sam Leavitt is coming off of a dynamic season where he scored 29 touchdowns as a runner and passer - winning Big 12 Freshman of the Year in the process.

Kenny Dillingham is in a phenomenal position with Leavitt returning, but should also feel great about senior Jeff Sims - who is returning for another year with the program.

Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A rundown of Sims going into the season:

Sims' Journey to Tempe

Sims started at Georgia Tech in 2020 and 2021 - throwing for 25 touchdowns in the process.

The QB was considered a promising dual threat during that time, but eventually fell out of favor in 2022 - transferring to Nebraska for the 2023 season. A disastrous start to the season - bringing him to the bench by week three.

The first two stops are what eventually brought him to Tempe in April of 2024.

How Dillingham Feels About Sims

Dillingham has been incredibly complimentary of Sims since he joined the Sun Devil program - frequently alluding to the fact that Arizona State has two pro-level quarterbacks.

Dillingham truly believes that the super senior QB has the smarts, accuracy, and mobility to manage the offense if called upon - the offensive talent in support of him is as good as it has ever been in his career.

Sims has grown much more comfortable in year two of Marcus Arroyo's offense as witnessed in practice over the last week

What Sims Brings to Sun Devils in 2025

The hope is that Leavitt is available in every game this season after missing the Cincinnati game last season with an injury.

Sims has the ability to step in and be serviceable in a game-by-game basis - as stated previously, he is far more comfortable in the Arizona State offense. He brings a quality short game as a passer, strong athleticism, and years of experience to the table with a very talented supporting cast at his disposal.

Read more on the case for Sam Leavitt to be an All-American selection at season's end here, and if Dillingham has any built-in recruiting advantages in his role here.


This article first appeared on Arizona State Sun Devils on SI and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!