👋 GOOD MORNING – Well, the bad news continues to roll on.
Although the Diamondbacks got us some excitement with a signing yesterday, the news of the day was of the negative variety — Sam Leavitt appears to be heading toward a potential departure from ASU.
Arizona State handled adversity well in 2025, though. Kenny Dillingham and co. are resilient. But that doesn’t make this news less of a disappointment.
Let’s dive in!
— Alex D’Agostino, PHNX Sports Daily Editor
Sam Leavitt Enters Transfer Portal
Let’s start from the beginning.
Around three weeks ago, a story leaked that Sun Devils QB Sam Leavitt intended to enter the transfer portal to explore options away from Arizona State. That was met with some backlash, including Leavitt’s brother saying a decision had not been made.
Then, on Sunday night, it was reported that Leavitt was the only Sun Devil captain who did not attend ASU’s team banquet. Coach Kenny Dillingham reportedly wished Leavitt well in “whatever his future may hold.”
It was a tough look for the standout QB. ASU fans were understandably bothered by the action, although it seemed to be indicative of Leavitt’s ultimate decision with regard to his future.
Well, the decision has been made. As was reported yesterday morning by PHNX’s own Anthony Totri, Leavitt does, in fact, intend to enter the portal. The window to do so will open on January 2.
While this does not technically mean Leavitt cannot return to ASU in 2026, the likelihood of that is not high. In fact, it’s almost certain he’ll be wearing another school’s colors come next fall.
As our friend Totri also reported, this just isn’t a move to look for a payday somewhere else. After the QB went down with a season-ending foot injury just seven games into 2025, Leavitt’s camp has low confidence in ASU’s ability to provide him with enough protection and support offensively.
It’s (reportedly) not about his relationship with Dillingham or Arizona State as a whole, but rather a desire to up his eventual NFL draft stock with supporting cast members.
For his career with the Sun Devils, Leavitt has collected 4,513 passing yards, 34 passing TDs and nine interceptions. He’s added 743 rushing yards and 10 scores on the ground.
Along with the news of Leavitt’s departure, it was also reported that OT Josh Atkins, WR Jayden Fortier and CB Javan Robinson also intend to enter the transfer portal.
My Take: It’s easy to lose sight of of two things in this entire situation. For one, Leavitt leaves behind a legacy of excellence, helping ASU reach unexpected heights and a Big 12 Championship trophy.
But for another, it should be well within Dillingham and co.’s ability to find a quality QB to replace Leavitt. They won games behind Jeff Sims, and managed an 8-4 record in 2025 despite missing their starting QB for almost half of those games.
But it’s also fair to acknowledge that Leavitt’s method of departure might leave a sour taste. We don’t know what is going on internally, but it’s a tough look to not show up to an event honoring one’s team.
And remember, Leavitt is still only 20 years old. In the era of the transfer portal, it’s very easy to forget the gravity of the decisions being made by young players.
It’s fair to feel disappointed, or even a little betrayed. But ultimately, it seems as if the culture ASU has created will allow them to survive just fine in the coming years. I won’t tell you how to feel, but keep in mind these are people, and we don’t always know the context — even if his actions do feel a bit less-than-professional.
Just who will be manning the QB position for the Sun Devils will be a storyline to watch this offseason, to be sure. ASU is likely still a desirable place to play for potential recruits or incoming transfers, even if 2025 was a bit bumpier than might have been expected. How many teams would do anything for an eight-win season?
Quick Hits
Money Michael: The Diamondbacks have made their first external MLB addition to their pitching staff this offseason. Yesterday, Arizona signed right-handed starter-reliever hybrid Michael Soroka to a one-year deal worth $7.5 million (up to $9.5 million). Soroka will be a starter for the D-backs. We’ll talk more about him tomorrow.
In other D-backs news, former long-time infielder Jake Lamb has returned to the organization — this time in a player development role. He’ll work with position players in the org.
The Winter Meetings have just begun!
Heavy is the Head: There’s a new No. 1 men’s basketball squad in town. The Arizona Wildcats land at the top spot in the recent AP poll after dominating No. 20 Auburn (and with some help from former No. 1 Purdue’s loss to Iowa State).
The Cats just keep on climbing. Tommy Lloyd’s team is 8-0 and dominant, putting up close to (or above) 100 points in each of their last three contests.
Nail-biter: The Suns held on for a hard-fought 108-105 over the Minnesota Timberwolves last night, improving to 14-10 on the season. Mark Williams had an excellent night, picking up 22 points on 7-for-9 shooting, including his first career three-pointer.
Phoenix will face the 23-1 Thunder for a road rematch tomorrow night at 5:30 p.m.
