ASU QB Sam Leavitt Receives High Praise from Former ESPN Analyst

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tony Thomas | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 2:22 AM ET

Talented quarterback Sam Leavitt of Arizona State continues to enjoy positive recognition from the national media. The most recent example came from former ESPN draft analyst and current podcaster Todd McShay.

In a story by Logan Stanley of The Arizona Republic, McShay, during an episode of the McShay Show earlier this month, graded Leavitt very highly on four key criteria: mental makeup, accuracy, ball release/arm strength, and mobility in the pocket.

On a scale of 1 to 5, with the lower number being good, Leavitt graded out like this:

Mental= 2

Accuracy= 2.5

Release/Arm Strength = 1.5

Pocket Mobility= 2

As a teenager (19), Leavitt led the Sun Devils to the top of the Big 12 mountain in 2024 and 11 wins. Then they went toe-to-toe with the Texas Longhorns for four quarters in the College Football Playoff before bowing out in the second overtime period.

New episode is out! https://t.co/gFVJ31885n More Summer Scouting: Diving into the tape of Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt
-NFL Comps
-Breaking down his tape
-2025 Expectations
— Todd McShay (@McShay13) June 19, 2025

McShay went on to compare Leavitt to Arizona native Brock Purdy, who went from the last player selected at the NFL Draft to a Super Bowl QB. McShay labeled Leavitt as a more athletic version of Purdy.

Continuing with his glowing assessment of Leavitt, McShay went on to say,

“I think we’re seeing just the beginning of this guy. I think his future is really, really bright. Tough, competitive.”--Todd McShay

McShay thinks Leavitt will be a first-round pick in next year’s draft and will be a starter in the NFL.

Sam Leavitt looks like he might have the DEADLIEST arm in college football after his recent training footage released.

Leavitt is seen throwing 50+ yards FLAT-FOOTED and 40+ yard missiles while on the run.

Several NFL scouts reportedly believe Leavitt is the “most prolific” QB… pic.twitter.com/JPnxLwXNAR
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) May 31, 2025