Sam Leavitt was searching for a new opportunity when he entered the transfer portal last offseason. After playing in just four games as a freshman at Michigan State, his situation changed drastically when head coach Mel Tucker was fired. Leavitt needed a fresh start, and he found one in Arizona.
Landing in Tempe, Leavitt joined an Arizona State program coming off a 3-9 season in its final year in the Pac-12. With wide-open quarterback competition, he seized the opportunity to take control of the offense and turn the program around.
How Much Is Sam Leavitt’s NIL Deal Worth?
Leavitt not only won the starting job but also led Arizona State on an improbable journey. Expected to finish at the bottom of the Big 12 and given almost no chance to make a bowl game, the Sun Devils defied expectations. They won the Big 12 title and secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, shocking the entire college football world.
After this breakthrough season, Leavitt announced he had signed a new NIL deal with the Sun Angel Collective. Following this news, On3 updated his NIL valuation to an impressive $3 million, placing him among the top 15 players nationwide.
Among returning quarterbacks, Leavitt ranks ninth in NIL valuation, trailing high-profile names like Arch Manning (Texas), Carson Beck (Miami), DJ Lagway (Florida), Garrett Nussmeier (LSU), Drew Allar (Penn State), Cade Klubnik (Clemson), and Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee).
Leavitt’s rise has been remarkable, considering he was lightly recruited in high school and wasn’t even ranked among the top 20 quarterbacks in his class. Despite playing at West Linn High School in Oregon, he didn’t receive an offer from the in-state Oregon State Beavers.
Earlier in the season, On3 valued his NIL worth at $616,000, ranking him 15th among Big 12 players. Now, his value has surged, reflecting his performance and growing popularity.
Is Leavitt the Highest-Paid Player in College Football?
One of Leavitt’s most notable local NIL deals is with Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers, which features a menu item in his honor. “The Sam Leavitt QB10 Wrap features your choice of Nashville hot chicken or grilled chicken, wrapped with romaine lettuce, shredded cheese, ranch, buffalo sauce, and fresh tomatoes.”
With three years of eligibility remaining, Leavitt has time to elevate his game further. He will be eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, and Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham does not doubt his professional potential.
“Sam’s good. Sam’s really good. I keep saying it,” Dillingham said in late November. “Sam’s really good, and we should be really happy that we have Sam, and we have him for two to three more years. I mean, Sam’s going to play on Sundays. There’s zero doubt in my mind, Sam’s an NFL player.”
KEEP READING: Arizona State QB Sam Leavitt Hooks Up Offensive Line With Hilarious Arby’s NIL Deal
During his redshirt freshman season, Leavitt completed 61.7% of his passes for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He also showcased his mobility, rushing for 443 yards and scoring five touchdowns on 110 carries.
Leavitt’s rapid rise has turned him into one of the most talked-about players in college football. From a backup at Michigan State to a College Football Playoff quarterback, his journey has been nothing short of remarkable. With a bright future ahead, the football world will be watching to see what he does next.
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