Sam Leavitt injury update: Arizona State QB will not play vs. Utah, Jeff Sims gets start

Quarterback Sam Leavitt will be out for Arizona State‘s game against Utah on Saturday, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. Thamel’s post confirms On3’s Pete Nakos report earlier on Friday that claimed quarterback Jeff Sims is expected to start in place of Leavitt.

Sims has only played in one game this season for the Sun Devils. He transferred to Arizona State ahead of the 2024 campaign after spending one year at Nebraska and three at Georgia Tech.

In Sims’ lone appearance for the Sun Devils this season, he didn’t make any pass attempts. He recorded three carries for 22 total yards. Sims made four appearances ASU last season and one start.

He finished the 2024 campaign with 168 passing yards, while completing 52% of his pass attempts. He neither threw a touchdown nor an interception.

In Sims’ lone season at Nebraska, he played in five games and started twice. He tallied 282 passing yards and one touchdown, compared to six interceptions. He also recorded 189 rushing yards and a score for the Cornhuskers.

Sam Leavitt’s injury hasn’t been disclosed. He was listed as probable Wednesday, but his status degraded to doubtful Thursday.

Sims will have large shoes to fill. Leavitt led Arizona State to the College Football Playoff last season and entered this season as one of the most highly-touted QBs in the Big 12.

He boasts 1,039 passing yards and eight touchdowns, compared to three interceptions this season. His arm isn’t his only threat. He’s also rushed for 281 yards and five scores. On Friday morning, Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham discussed Leavitt’s injury.

“Sam’s been battling something going back to Baylor (on Sept. 20),” Dillingham said. “Bye week was good for him to get kind of back and this week it didn’t feel as good as we wanted to… If he plays in the game, it’ll be a mini miracle. I’d be shocked.”

Evidently, Leavitt won’t pull off a miracle this weekend. The Sun Devils have a tall task ahead of them. Utah is 4-1 this season and will be well-rested after enjoying a bye last week.

Most recently, the Utes steamrolled West Virginia in a 48-14 blowout in Week 5. In the win, Utah QB Devon Dampier completed 21-of-his-26 pass attempts for 237 yards and four TDs, while only throwing a single interception.

Arizona State will look to shut down Dampier on Saturday when it squares off against the Utes at 7:15 PT. The game will air live on ESPN.