Imagine the thrill of a star quarterback defying injuries to storm back onto the field—it's the stuff of legends in college football! But here's where it gets controversial: could Sam Leavitt's return spark debates about player durability in high-stakes games, or is it just another gamble that might backfire? Let's dive into the latest buzz from Arizona State, where the sophomore QB is reportedly poised to make a triumphant return this weekend against the mighty No. 7 Texas Tech Red Raiders. And this is the part most people miss—the implications for what could be an epic showdown between two talented signal-callers.
After sitting out Arizona State's recent clash with the Utah Utes last Saturday due to a nagging right foot injury, Sam Leavitt is now gearing up to rejoin the action, according to a report from CBS Sports' Matt Zenitz, shared on Wednesday evening. This comes after he diligently participated in every practice session throughout the week, as noted by On3's Pete Nakos. In just five games this season, the talented sophomore has already racked up an impressive 1,039 passing yards, tossed eight touchdowns, and unfortunately, thrown three interceptions—stats that highlight his potential as a game-changer for the Sun Devils.
Leavitt's absence was sorely felt in that Utah game, where Arizona State suffered a resounding 42-10 defeat. Veteran quarterback Jeff Sims stepped in as the starter but managed only 124 passing yards on 18 of 38 attempts, underscoring how crucial Leavitt's presence can be to the team's offense. As head coach Kenny Dillingham revealed before the Utah matchup, Leavitt has been grappling with this issue dating back to the game against Baylor on September 20. He explained that the bye week provided some respite, but the past week's practices haven't been as smooth as hoped. 'If he plays in the game, it’ll be a mini miracle. I’d be shocked,' Dillingham quipped at the time, though Leavitt ultimately didn't suit up, leading to the Sun Devils' second loss of the season. Currently, Arizona State stands at 4-2 overall, with defeats against Mississippi State and Utah marking their setbacks midway through the 2025 campaign.
For those new to college football, it's worth noting that these records and playoff aspirations add layers of excitement. Leavitt's leadership was instrumental last season, guiding Arizona State to their inaugural appearance in the College Football Playoff—the elite postseason tournament where the top teams compete for a national championship. The Sun Devils entered as the No. 4 seed but were edged out 39-31 in double overtime by No. 5 Texas in the quarterfinals. In that high-drama encounter, Leavitt contributed 222 passing yards but was held without a touchdown pass and threw one interception, showing the razor-thin margins that define these big games.
Now, his anticipated comeback sets the stage for a jaw-dropping quarterback duel against Texas Tech's Behren Morton, assuming Morton is cleared to play. Morton has been listed as day-to-day after exiting their victory over Kansas last weekend, so this matchup could hinge on both players' health—a perfect example of how injuries can turn a routine game into a unpredictable thriller. Picture it: two skilled QBs going head-to-head, each with the power to swing momentum. But here's the controversial twist—some fans argue that relying on a banged-up star like Leavitt risks burnout or further setbacks, while others see it as a heroic display of grit. Is pushing through pain worth the potential glory, or does it prioritize short-term wins over long-term health? That's a debate worth pondering.
The showdown between No. 7 Texas Tech and Arizona State kicks off Saturday in Tempe at 4:00 PM ET, airing on FOX. This will be the sixth time these programs have faced off, with the Red Raiders claiming a 30-22 victory last season—one of Arizona State's only two regular-season losses en route to their playoff run.
What do you think—will Leavitt's return ignite the Sun Devils' offense and salvage their season, or could the QB battle with Morton prove too much of a challenge? And on a broader note, should coaches be more cautious about injured players to prevent long-term issues, or is football's physical nature part of what makes it exhilarating? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below—we'd love to hear your take!
