Arizona State names transfer as starting QB for Week 1

Sam Leavitt. Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Arizona State names Michigan State transfer as starting QB for Week 1

By Michael Carpenter | Last updated Aug 19, 2024 4:58 PM ET

After an underwhelming debut season as head coach in 2023, Kenny Dillingham found himself entering Year 2 at Arizona State in need of a new quarterback. Former starter Jaden Rashada transferred to the University of Georgia.

With only one experienced quarterback on the Sun Devils roster in Trenton Bourguet, Dillingham hit the transfer portal in search of competition. Ultimately, he brought in Michigan State transfer Sam Leavitt and Nebraska transfer Jeff Sims.

Then Dillingham held an open competition among the three players.

On Monday, ESPN's Pete Thamel reported that Leavitt has emerged as the starter after a strong showing during preseason camp. He'll start for ASU against Wyoming in Week 1 on Aug 31.

Sources: Sam Leavitt has been named the starting quarterback at Arizona State for the opener against Wyoming. He beat out transfer Jeff Sims (Georgia Tech/Nebraska), and both have been informed of the decision. pic.twitter.com/sfFzEMMFZJ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 19, 2024

Now a redshirt freshman, Leavitt was the Oregon Gatorade Player of the Year as a four-star recruit in the Class of 2023 before heading to Michigan State.

In four games as a Spartan, Leavitt went 12-for-23 for 123 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions while playing sparingly as a true freshman.

He will now have the keys to the Sun Devils offense and will look to help guide them back to playing winning football after two straight 3-9 seasons.

Leavitt will have a plethora of options to target through the air including wide receivers Jake Smith, Malik McClain and Troy Omeire as well as tight ends Markeston Douglas and Chamon Metayer.

With a trio of running backs expected to share the duties in the backfield including Cam Skattebo, Alton McCaskill and Raleek Brown, the Sun Devils offense has all of the tools to be exciting to watch in 2024.

Look for Dillingham to get everyone involved and keep things simple for his young quarterback in his first season as a starter. The Sun Devils will be playing their first season as a member of the Big 12 conference after leaving the Pac-12.

Michael Carpenter

Michael is a California kid, living in Arizona as a graduate of The Cronkite School of Journalism, Forks Up. He believes Yadier Molina will be in the Hall, and Dez caught it. Michael njoys spending his free time with his amazing wife and two beautiful daughters or playing video games. You can find him on Twitter @_MCSports.

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