Every now and then, the season gave us a Cinderella story, but this time we have a Southpaw script- polar opposites, we know. This year, Arizona State is wearing the glass slipper. Enjoying the fruits of their labor after beating Iowa State in the Big 12 championship, sitting pretty at No. 4 in the Peach Bowl, waiting for the winner of the No. 5 Texas and No. 12 Clemson winner to play on Jan. 1. A position no one thought they’d be in. Yet, as the dust settles, all eyes are on their freshman QB1, Sam Leavitt, whose confidence might just be the fuel the Sun Devils need to keep dancing.

After a grueling Kelly Dillingham training session, Sam Leavitt stood before the media and delivered a message that can only be described as equal parts audacious and inspiring. Posted by 247Sports on Instagram, with the caption that says it all, ““Why not us?” ~ Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt has high confidence in the Sun Devils’ ability to make a deep CFP run🏆.” With the conviction of someone who truly believes in the underdog story. “We put ourselves in this situation. We’ve got three games to go. So why not us? The ball falls our way a couple of times, and we play like we did the last few weeks… I don’t see why it couldn’t be us.” Leavitt’s words weren’t just a rallying cry; they were a declaration of intent, aimed squarely at title favorites, like Dan Lanning’s Oregon Ducks.

For a team that was picked to finish dead last in their Big 12 debut, Arizona State’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. Cam Skattebo, the bruising running back, coming fresh off fifth in the Heisman ceremony, has been the heartbeat of the offense. His 170-yard performance in the conference championship was a masterclass in both power and finesse. His QB fan, Sam Leavitt, couldn’t hide his admiration, saying, “I’ve got the best seat in the house. Get ready for a gain of 5 or whatever, and I just see the dude kind of weaving through some traffic… and busts loose.” It’s a dynamic partnership that has defenses scrambling and fans dreaming big.

Leavitt’s journey to Tempe hasn’t been without its challenges. After a brief stint at Michigan State in 2023, where he showed flashes of potential but also endured growing pains, the Portland native decided to transfer following the hiring of Jonathan Smith as head coach. His decision was met with harsh criticism online, by the Spartans fanbase calling him “soft” and accusing him of lacking loyalty. But they didn’t know he’ll become the Sun Devils’ beloved #10, proving he belongs in the national spotlight. With his poise, accuracy, and ability to rise in big moments, he’s not just one of the best quarterbacks in Arizona—he’s becoming one of the best in the country.

Sam Leavitt is unfazed. “We’ve been rolling offensively and defensively. We’re getting turnovers, taking care of the ball, and putting the ball in situations where we can go make plays—and we’re making those plays,” he said. It’s the kind of self-assurance that makes you believe anything is possible, even a championship run.

Sam Leavitt- a strong Heisman contender

The Arizona State Sun Devils has never seen a Heisman Trophy—but redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt might just change that. Leavitt turned heads this season, leading ASU to an 11-2 record and a Big 12 championship. The numbers don’t lie: 2,663 passing yards, 24 touchdowns through the air, and another 383 yards with five scores on the ground. This kid isn’t just a quarterback; he’s a dual-threat dynamo.

He will celebrate his 20th birthday on December 20, and he’s just getting started. “Sam’s good. Sam’s *really* good. I keep saying it,” ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham said recently, and he’s not alone in singing his praises. The buzz around him is already heating up as experts and oddsmakers look ahead to the 2025 Heisman race. ESPN’s Mark Schlabach dropped a “way-too-early” list of contenders soon after the buffs two-way genius finally got it, and Leavitt’s name made the cut alongside college football’s elite 14. It’s hard not to wonder if this could finally be ASU’s Heisman moment.

But the ASU QB1’s confidence, combined with the bruising brilliance of the RB, makes the Sun Devils a team no one wants to face.