Arizona State starting quarterback Sam Leavitt will undergo season-ending surgery, head coach Kenny Dillingham says Bickley and Marotta of Arizona Sports Friday.
Leavitt had already been ruled out for Saturday’s game against Iowa State because he was wearing walking boots due to an injury he first suffered in ASU’s win over Baylor on Sept. 20.
The foot injury has not progressed as Leavitt or the program hoped. Leavitt had success against TCU, missed a game against Utah and started against Texas Tech and Houston before being deemed done for the year.
Sixth-year senior Jeff Sims will start for Leavitt with Cam Dyer as the backup quarterback.
“Early in the game against Baylor,” Dillingham said, the injury happened. “So it’s something that lingers. Like I said, he fought and fought. He’s the ultimate competitor. This is obviously the worst news he wanted to hear because it means he can’t play football. He loves football. He loves this place. So, it’s really unfortunate for him.”
The Sun Devils are dealing with a litany of injuries, including wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, who is questionable for Saturday’s game in Ames.
A key question with Leavitt is whether or not he has played his final game for ASU, given that he is eligible for the NFL Draft.
“I wish I could answer that question,” Dillingham said. “I don’t even begin to think about next steps. I haven’t even asked him that. I just feel bad for him because he’s been bothered all year and he’s fought for our football team. It’s a shame it hasn’t gotten better.”
Leavitt has completed 60.7 percent of his passes this season for 1,628 yards with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also rushed 73 times for 306 yards and five touchdowns.
He transferred to ASU from Michigan State ahead of the 2024 season, when he, Tyson and now NFL running back Cam Skattebo led the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff. ASU entered this year as the No. 11 team in the AP Top 25 poll, with Leavitt generating Heisman buzz in the preseason.
ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr. listed Leavitt as his seventh quarterback entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
Arizona State is 5-3 with a 3-2 conference record after losing to Houston last week.
The Sun Devils have three regular season games remaining after facing Iowa State and the following bye week, as they face West Virginia, Colorado and Arizona.
“No one cares about your situation,” Dillingham said. “Everyone wants to see you fail. So if you’re worried about everyone, you’re worrying about the wrong things. Let’s focus on being the best version of ourselves and playing this game with so much passion that people can feel it.”
ASU and Iowa State begin their Big 12 title rematch Saturday at 10 a.m. MST on 98.7 and on the Arizona Sports app.
