In a move that has sent ripples across college football, Sam Leavitt, the former starting quarterback for the Arizona State Sun Devils, has announced he is transferring to the Alabama Crimson Tide. This high-profile transfer marks a significant shift in the quarterback landscape for both programs, with Leavitt set to bolster Alabama’s already deep quarterback room as they prepare for the 2025 season.
Leavitt, a promising talent who impressed during his tenure at Arizona State, enters Alabama’s highly competitive quarterback competition, one that includes several top-tier players, including Jalen Milroe and Ty Simpson. With Alabama’s reputation for developing elite quarterbacks under head coach Nick Saban, Leavitt’s decision to join the Crimson Tide signals his commitment to taking his game to the next level.
The 2024 season saw Leavitt show flashes of brilliance as the starting quarterback for Arizona State. Over the course of the season, he demonstrated excellent arm strength, poise in the pocket, and the ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground. His performance led to rising expectations for his future, but despite the individual success, Arizona State struggled as a team, finishing the season with a 5-7 record. For Leavitt, the move to Alabama presents an opportunity to compete at the highest level of college football and potentially play in the College Football Playoff — a chance he could not pass up.
For Alabama, the acquisition of Leavitt provides added depth to a quarterback room that already boasts impressive talent. The Crimson Tide have experienced some uncertainty at the position over the past seasons, with head coach Nick Saban frequently rotating quarterbacks in search of the perfect fit. With the addition of Leavitt, Alabama now has a greater pool of talent to draw from as they continue their pursuit of another national championship.
Leavitt’s move also comes amid increasing competition at Arizona State, where several incoming recruits have put pressure on established players. While his decision to leave could be seen as a blow to the Sun Devils, it opens the door for the next generation of quarterbacks to step up. Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham, who was excited about Leavitt’s potential just a year ago, expressed support for the quarterback’s decision, acknowledging that it was an opportunity he simply could not pass up.
The transfer portal has become a major factor in college football, with quarterbacks frequently changing teams in search of better opportunities or a chance to play for a national contender. Leavitt’s move to Alabama highlights the trend of top-tier quarterbacks moving to elite programs in search of championship aspirations, as well as the increasing importance of depth at the quarterback position in modern college football.
As the 2025 season approaches, Alabama fans are eager to see how Leavitt performs in a system that has produced some of the nation’s best quarterbacks over the past decade. His ability to compete for the starting job, or potentially contribute as a key backup, will be a storyline to watch as Alabama seeks to maintain its dominance in the SEC and national championship picture.
Leavitt’s arrival in Tuscaloosa adds a new layer of excitement and anticipation for Alabama’s football program, and the coming months are sure to bring more drama as the Crimson Tide continues to build toward their future.
