The Arizona State Sun Devils are no longer a surprise team—they’re a certified threat. After their stunning Big 12 Championship and first-ever College Football Playoff appearance in 2024, expectations in Tempe are sky-high for 2025.
At the center of it all is quarterback Sam Leavitt, whose dynamic play has already sparked early Heisman Trophy buzz. But if ASU wants Leavitt to climb into that elite conversation truly, they’ll need one crucial piece to stay in place: the health of his go-to receiver, Jordyn Tyson.
How Jordyn Tyson’s Availability Could Propel Sam Leavitt’s Heisman Bid
Let’s be clear—Sam Leavitt didn’t just manage ASU’s offense in 2024; he helped transform it. The transfer-turned-star accounted for over 3,200 total yards and 29 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman, helping the Sun Devils finish 11–3 in a breakout campaign that shocked the Big 12.
Now a redshirt sophomore with national attention, including a featured spot on the cover of the upcoming EA Sports College Football 26 video game, Leavitt has the skill set, swagger, and system to make a legitimate run at the Heisman. But every great quarterback needs a dependable star on the outside. For Leavitt, that star is Jordyn Tyson.
Run it back!🔱 Thank you Sun devil nation this is for y’all! @SunAngelNIL pic.twitter.com/lWXpu9EvY3
— jordyn tyson (@tyson_jordyn) January 7, 2025
Tyson is a 6’2″ playmaker with elite speed and hands. He was surely electric in 2024. He racked up 75 catches for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns in just 12 games, earning him All-Big 12 honors and solidifying his status as one of the top receivers in the country.
But here’s the catch: Tyson missed the season’s final stretch, including the Big 12 title game and the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal. Without him, Leavitt and the offense weren’t quite the same.
Tyson’s ability to stretch the field, beat press coverage, and make the tough grabs in traffic is what gives Leavitt the confidence to take shots and command games. He’s more than a deep threat—he’s a game-changer who tilts defenses and forces coordinators to shift their entire approach.
The Leavitt-Tyson connection is already special—and it’s only getting stronger. Reports from ASU’s offseason workouts describe the duo putting in countless hours together, refining routes, timing, and trust. That chemistry will be vital in 2025, especially with Arizona State once again aiming for a conference title and more.
Leavitt, a former Michigan State transfer, has shown advanced maturity as a field general. His poise under pressure and growing mastery of Kenny Dillingham’s uptempo offense give ASU a high ceiling.
However, Tyson is the player who makes that ceiling feel limitless. His ability to win one-on-one matchups and take the top off a defense not only helps Leavitt’s stats—it makes the entire offense hum. With Tyson on the field, ASU’s secondary receivers and run game also benefit from lighter coverage and wider running lanes.
Simply put, a healthy Tyson doesn’t just help Leavitt look good—he helps the entire team reach another level.
Why Tyson’s Return Is So Important in 2025?
The latter half of 2024 offered a sobering reminder of how much Tyson matters. Without him, the Sun Devils’ explosive edge dulled, and Leavitt faced tighter windows and more frequent pressure. Now, entering the 2025 season, Tyson is fully recovered and back to full speed—an enormous boost for both Leavitt’s Heisman hopes and ASU’s playoff ambitions.
Opposing defenses will once again have to account for Tyson’s presence on every play, which should create mismatches and scoring opportunities that Leavitt is well-equipped to exploit.
The duo’s synergy could mirror past greats like Bryce Young and Jameson Williams or Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase—pairings that not only delivered championships but also Heisman hardware.
Arizona State’s schedule also sets the stage for a Heisman-worthy campaign. If Tyson can stay healthy and Leavitt can replicate or exceed his 2024 production, big-time matchups in the Big 12 could serve as a platform to launch Leavitt into the national spotlight, especially if the Sun Devils make another playoff push.
If Tyson can remain healthy for all 13–15 games in 2025, Leavitt could be a legitimate Heisman contender.
In Tempe, the stakes are high, but so is the ceiling. With Tyson’s elite talent and Leavitt’s rising star power, the Sun Devils are poised to turn heads again in 2025. And if everything aligns? Don’t be surprised if you hear “Leavitt for Heisman” chants echoing across the desert.
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