Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt’s Season-Ending Surgery: What It Means for the Sun Devils

October 31, 2025
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Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt’s Season-Ending Surgery: What It Means for the Sun Devils

In a significant setback for Arizona State football, head coach Key Dillingham aounced that starting quarterback Sam Leavitt will undergo season-ending surgery, sidelining him for the remainder of the 2024 campaign. The news comes as a blow to a Sun Devils program already navigating a transitional year under Dillingham’s leadership. For fans, analysts, and recruits alike, this development raises critical questions: How will ASU adapt? Who steps in under center? And what does this mean for the team’s trajectory in the expanded Big 12 Conference?

This article breaks down the implications of Leavitt’s injury, explores potential replacements, and examines how Arizona State can regroup in a pivotal season. Whether you’re a die-hard Sun Devil supporter or a college football enthusiast tracking the Big 12’s evolving landscape, here’s what you need to know.

Who Is Sam Leavitt, and Why Is His Injury a Big Deal?

The Rise of a Dual-Threat QB

Sam Leavitt, a redshirt sophomore, emerged as Arizona State’s starting quarterback in 2023 after a competitive offseason battle. Known for his dual-threat ability—combining a strong arm with elusive mobility—Leavitt quickly became the face of Key Dillingham’s offense. In his first full season as a starter, he threw for 2,800+ yards and rushed for nearly 500, showcasing the dynamic playmaking Dillingham’s system demands.

His leadership and clutch performances, including a game-wiing drive against UCLA, earned him respect in the locker room and among Pac-12 (now Big 12) opponents. With Leavitt at the helm, ASU’s offense ranked in the top half of the conference in total yards per game—a marked improvement from previous seasons.

Why This Injury Hurts

Leavitt’s absence isn’t just about losing a talented player; it’s about continuity and scheme fit. Dillingham’s offense relies on a quarterback who can:

  • Extend plays with their legs when protection breaks down.
  • Execute RPOs (Run-Pass Options) to keep defenses honest.
  • Deliver accurate intermediate throws in a timing-based system.

Without Leavitt, ASU loses a player who had 17 starts under his belt and a deep understanding of the playbook. For a team already thin at key positions, this injury forces a midseason pivot that could define their 2024 campaign.

What Happened? The Injury and Surgery Details

Coach Dillingham’s Statement

During a press conference on October 14, 2024, Key Dillingham confirmed that Leavitt would undergo surgery to repair a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder—an injury he sustained in ASU’s Week 6 loss to Kansas State. Dillingham noted:

“Sam’s a warrior. He played through pain for weeks, but after further evaluation, it’s clear surgery is the only option. Our focus now is on his long-term health and getting him back stronger for 2025.”

The recovery timeline for a labrum repair typically ranges from 6–9 months, meaning Leavitt’s 2024 season is over, but he could return for spring practices next year.

How the Injury Unfolded

Leavitt’s performance in the weeks leading up to the diagnosis hinted at trouble. Against Texas Tech and Kansas State, his completion percentage dipped below 55%, and his deep-ball accuracy—usually a strength—was noticeably off. Postgame footage showed him icing his shoulder and struggling with velocity on sideline throws.

An MRI confirmed the tear, and team doctors recommended surgery to prevent further damage. For ASU, this means no redshirt option—Leavitt’s 2024 season is officially over.

Who Replaces Leavitt? Arizona State’s QB Options

The Immediate Backup: Jaden Rashada

The most likely successor is Jaden Rashada, a redshirt freshman and former 4-star recruit who arrived at ASU with high expectations. Rashada has seen limited action in 2024 but flashed potential in mop-up duty, including a 70-yard touchdown pass against Northern Arizona.

Pros:

  • Strong arm talent with NFL-caliber velocity.
  • Quick release and good pocket presence for a young QB.
  • Familiarity with Dillingham’s system after a year in the program.

Cons:

  • Lacks game experience (only 12 career pass attempts).
  • Struggles with progressions under pressure.
  • Not as mobile as Leavitt, which could limit RPO effectiveness.

Wildcard Option: Trenton Bourguet

If Rashada struggles, Dillingham could turn to Trenton Bourguet, a super senior with 20+ career appearances for ASU. Bourguet, a fan favorite, stepped in during the 2022 season and led the Sun Devils to an upset win over Washington.

Pros:

  • Veteran poise and locker-room leadership.
  • Better pre-snap reads than Rashada.
  • Proven clutch performer (see: 2022 Territorial Cup heroics).

Cons:

  • Limited upside—career 58% completion rate.
  • Not a long-term answer for the program.
  • Less mobility than Leavitt or Rashada.

Could ASU Turn to the Transfer Portal?

With the transfer portal more active than ever, Arizona State could explore adding a graduate transfer or a QB with immediate eligibility. However, Dillingham has indicated he prefers to develop in-house talent for now. Potential portal targets might include:

  • Former Power 5 backups with starting experience.
  • Group of 5 standouts looking for a bigger stage.
  • JUCO quarterbacks with elite physical tools.

Given the timing (mid-October), any portal addition would need to learn the playbook quickly—a tall ask in Dillingham’s complex system.

How Arizona State Can Adjust Its Offense

Scheme Tweaks Without Leavitt

Key Dillingham’s offense is quarterback-friendly but not quarterback-proof. Without Leavitt’s dual-threat ability, ASU may need to:

  • Simplify the playbook for Rashada or Bourguet, emphasizing quick-game throws and play-action.
  • Lean on the run game with Cameron Skattebo (ASU’s leading rusher) to reduce QB pressure.
  • Use more 12 persoel (2 TEs) to bolster pass protection.
  • Design QB runs for Rashada to keep defenses honest, even if he’s not as shifty as Leavitt.

Defensive Adjustments

With the offense likely to sputter early, ASU’s defense—led by linebacker Eric Gentry—will need to carry the load. Expect:

  • More aggressive blitz packages to force turnovers.
  • Bend-don’t-break coverage to keep games close.
  • Heavy reliance on the defensive line (e.g., B.J. Green) to generate pressure.

Special Teams and Trick Plays

Dillingham has never shied away from creative play-calling. Look for ASU to:

  • Use wildcat formations with Skattebo or WR Elijhah Badger taking snaps.
  • Dial up flea flickers and double passes to catch defenses off guard.
  • Prioritize field position with aggressive punt returns (e.g., Jordyn Tyson).

What This Means for Arizona State’s 2024 Season

Revised Win/Loss Projections

Before Leavitt’s injury, ASU was projected to finish 5–7 or 6–6, with bowl eligibility hinging on upsets in the Big 12. Now, realistic expectations shift:

  • Best-case scenario: 5–7 (with wins over UCLA, Colorado, and Utah).
  • Worst-case scenario: 3–9 if the offense stalls and injuries mount.
  • Bowl hopes? Slim, but not impossible—ASU would need to win 3 of their last 6.

Impact on Recruiting

Quarterback injuries can spook recruits, especially in a transfer-heavy era. ASU’s 2025 class—currently ranked top 40 nationally—could see:

  • Decommitments from skill players if the offense struggles.
  • Increased portal activity if veterans seek greener pastures.
  • Opportunities for young QBs (e.g., 2024 signee Isaiah Davis) to earn early reps.

Dillingham’s pitch to recruits will now emphasize long-term development over immediate wins.

Key Dillingham’s Hot Seat Watch

Hired in 2023 to revitalize ASU football, Dillingham’s seat wasn’t scorching—but it’s warming. Athletic director Ray Anderson has shown patience, but a sub-.500 season could lead to:

  • Increased scrutiny on Dillingham’s offensive scheme and QB development.
  • Pressure to land a transfer QB in the 2025 cycle.
  • Fan unrest, especially if the offense ranks near the bottom of the Big 12.

Historical Context: How Other Teams Have Overcome QB Injuries

Arizona State isn’t the first program to lose its starter midseason. Here’s how other teams have responded—and what ASU can learn:

2021 Alabama: Bryce Young’s Ankle Injury

When Bryce Young went down, Jalen Milroe (then a freshman) stepped in and nearly led Alabama to an upset over Texas A&M. The lesson? Simplify the game plan for young QBs and lean on elite skill players (e.g., Jameson Williams).

2019 LSU: Joe Burrow’s Backup Plan

Before Burrow’s Heisman season, LSU had Myles Brean as a capable backup. When Brean later got hurt, the Tigers turned to Max Johnson, who thrived in a spread-offense system. ASU could mimic this by tailoring the scheme to Rashada’s strengths.

2023 Florida: Anthony Richardson’s Replacement

After Anthony Richardson left for the NFL, Florida struggled with Graham Mertz and Max Brown. The Gators’ offense ranked 100th nationally—a cautionary tale for ASU if Rashada isn’t ready.

What’s Next for Sam Leavitt?

While Leavitt’s 2024 season is over, his long-term future remains bright. Here’s what to expect:

Rehabilitation Timeline

A typical labrum rehab process includes:

  • Weeks 1–6: Immobilization and physical therapy to restore range of motion.
  • Weeks 6–12: Strength training and light throwing (no contact).
  • Months 4–6: Full throwing progression and non-contact drills.
  • Months 6–9: Clearance for contact and return to practice.

If all goes well, Leavitt could be 100% by spring 2025 and ready to reclaim the starting job.

NFL Draft Implications

Leavitt was a dark-horse 2025 NFL Draft prospect before the injury. Now, scouts will watch:

  • His 2025 performance—can he bounce back stronger?
  • His arm strength post-surgery (labrum injuries can affect velocity).
  • His leadership in mentoring Rashada or Bourguet.

If he returns to form, he could still earn mid-round draft consideration.

Could Leavitt Transfer?

With the transfer portal always looming, there’s a slim chance Leavitt explores other programs if:

  • ASU’s 2024 season collapses and Dillingham’s job is in jeopardy.
  • A Power 5 contender (e.g., Oregon, Texas) comes calling with a clearer path to the NFL.
  • He feels the new coaching staff (if any) isn’t the right fit.

However, Leavitt has strong ties to Arizona (he’s a Phoenix native) and may prefer to finish what he started at ASU.

How Fans Can Support the Team

For Sun Devil fans, this is a “next man up” moment. Here’s how to stay engaged: