Before the 2024 season, Arizona State Football redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt was just another name on a college football roster.
Leavitt was a backup for Michigan State before ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham snatched him out the portal. Upon arrival in Tempe, the quarterback instantly went from a roster filler to someone every team wished they had. His incredible rookie campaign earned him Big 12 Freshman of the Year honors.
After what he displayed in his debut season, many believe his 2024 feats are just the beginning.
The sports media outlet previously ranked Leavitt as the top quarterback this upcoming season. Penn State junior quarterback Drew Allar was the only other quarterback to crack the list, placed at No. 6.
Leavitt splits a pair of national champions with the No. 2 spot. Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and sophomore safety Caleb Downs claimed the No. 1 and 3 ranks respectively.
Out of the top 10 players listed, seven played in the College Football Playoffs. Texas freshman Colin Simmons (No. 6) and Notre Dame‘s freshman corner Leonard Moore (No. 8) and sophomore running back Jeremiyah Love (No. 10) join Allar, Leavitt and the Buckeye duo as CFP veterans looking to make a return in 2025.
Leavitt and Simmons have a history after the playoffs, as Simmons’ Longhorns put an end to the Sun Devils’ season in double-overtime in the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl. Simmons finished the game with five tackles, making his way to Leavitt once for a sack. Leavitt finished the game with 224 passing yards and an interception.
