Sam Leavitt absent from Arizona State banquet, Kenny Dillingham wishes him well, per report

Rumors have swirled about Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and his potential departure from the program. On Sunday night, more emerged that could indicate that’s a distinct possibility.

According to Chris Karpman of SunDevilSource.com, Leavitt was the lone team captain who was not at an Arizona State awards banquet on Sunday night, according to several people in attendance. Karpman reports that the captains each went onto the stage individually.

“When it came time to honor Leavitt,” Karpman wrote, “(Kenny) Dillingham told the audience that he ‘wished him well in whatever his future may hold.'”

On3 first reported Sam Leavitt was likely to enter the transfer portal prior to the 2026 season. Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos reported Leavitt’s camp is “shopping” him “at a high level” to other programs with plans on entering the transfer portal on Jan. 2. Due to his success at ASU last year and this season prior to injury, he could fetch a high price.

During the season, though, Dillingham was unwilling to address the reports on Sam Leavitt. He opened up, as questions arose.

“I’m focused on Colorado,” Dillingham said on Nov. 19. “We came out on fire this week (in practice). I don’t listen to the outside noise. It’s November and we’re in the hunt (for the Big 12 championship game).”

Arizona State, of course, would not reach the Big 12 title game. The program finished the year 8-4, in fourth in the Big 12 standings.

Sam Leavitt, who did not play the full length of the season due to injury, finished with 1,628 yards passing and 10 touchdowns. He threw three interceptions. Leavitt also rushed for 306 yards and five scores.

Leavitt initially began his career at Michigan State in 2023, where he threw 23 passes. He transferred to Arizona State in 2024 and quickly became the full-time starter, throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns as the Sun Devils reached the College Football Playoffs.