Arizona State Quarterback Sam Leavitt Sets Ambitious Goals for 2025 Season

Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt has a strategy he follows to prepare for the 2025 season. Within his personal space, a whiteboard displays his goals, each one a stepping stone toward achieving greatness.

The list on that board is not filled with names of quarterbacks he admires. Instead, it features those he intends to surpass as he aims for a standout year. Though Leavitt remains tight-lipped about the specific names on the list, he acknowledges that this approach serves as a crucial motivation booster.

Inspirations from Family

This motivational technique isn’t new to Leavitt. He learned it from his older brother, Dallin, who enjoyed a successful six-season career in the NFL as a safety. Dallin encouraged Sam to identify rival quarterbacks he wanted to chase.

“I never had a list growing up,” Leavitt shared in an interview. “But my brother once told me that you gotta go chase somebody. For him, that strategy worked out remarkably well as he consistently aimed for players ranked higher than him, competing against them and emerging victorious. Eventually, he outperformed them in rankings.”

Leavitt admitted that it took time for him to appreciate this mindset. Being under-recruited meant he didn’t find himself on the competitive lists, making it challenging to identify specific rivals during his earlier years. However, the motivation to chase and surpass others has now gained significant meaning for him.

Breakout Performance and New Challenges

After transferring from the Oregon Ducks to Michigan State in 2023, Leavitt’s path led him to the Arizona State Sun Devils, driven by head coach Rob Dillingham’s vision for a competitive squad in the Big XII. Despite only participating in four games at Michigan State, his move to Arizona State proved transformational.

During his inaugural season with the Sun Devils, Leavitt emerged as a key player, helping the team clinch the prestigious Big XII Conference title and reach the College Football Playoff. He amassed impressive statistics, recording 2,885 passing yards, 24 touchdowns against only six interceptions, and contributing 443 rushing yards with five touchdowns.

He reflects on this progress with gratitude, recognizing that being part of this talented roster has accelerated his development. “Now that I’m competing with top-10 guys, seeing their names motivates me even more,” he explained. “When I need that extra push to get up 30 minutes earlier or push through those last few stretches, that list acts as a reminder of my aspirations.”

A Commitment to Improvement

Despite all his accomplishments last season, Leavitt expresses dissatisfaction with his performance. According to him, players should always feel a drive to improve rather than basking in previous successes.

“I didn’t play to the level I aspired to achieve, and I definitely left opportunities on the table,” he stated, reflecting on the 2024 season. “My motivation stems from knowing I can do better, and I believe every player should strive for perfection.”

He recalls his state championship senior year, admitting that he still felt unsettled despite the victory. This pursuit of excellence fuels his relentless work ethic, driving him to push beyond his limitations.

Facing Expectations in the Upcoming Season

The Arizona State Sun Devils enter the new season with newfound expectations as reigning Big XII champions. Leavitt and his teammates must embrace the pressure of being at the top.

For Leavitt, maintaining a focused mindset is essential. He emphasizes that goals must balance ambition with consistent daily efforts. On his whiteboard, another focus word sits alongside the quarterback list: Heisman.

“I’d say a Heisman trophy and a national championship are my ultimate goals,” he remarked. “However, what truly matters each day is working towards improving the team. Aiming for big targets gives me something to chase, but the daily efforts are what will help us reach those heights. Outworking my past self, my teammates, and even studying more diligently is vital for my growth.”

Looking Forward

This proactive approach not only fuels Leavitt’s ambition but also sets an inspiring tone for the Sun Devils as they navigate the competitive landscape of college football.

Anticipation builds for the upcoming season as Leavitt and his team prepare to turn aspirations into achievements. His journey is not only a personal narrative but a testament to the potential of hard work and perseverance, reflecting the spirit of the Arizona State Sun Devils.