Before Sam Leavitt was lighting up scoreboards and throwing touchdowns at Arizona State, he was simply a young boy in Oregon with a passion for football and an unquenchable competitive spirit. That spirit? It wasn’t accidental—it’s a legacy that runs deep within the Leavitt family.
With a father who proudly represented BYU and an older brother now playing in the NFL, Sam Leavitt was practically born wearing cleats. But beyond the statistics and perfect spirals lies a close-knit, football-obsessed family that transformed a spirited young competitor into a college football sensation.
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Let’s begin with the man who first introduced Sam Leavitt to the glory of the gridiron—Jared Leavitt. Jared Leavitt was a linebacker for Brigham Young University (BYU) in the early 1990s, giving him firsthand experience competing at the collegiate level.
While his playing days are behind him, the lessons he learned remain, and they were certainly incorporated into the Leavitt family playbook. Jared Leavitt raised his sons to be tough, disciplined, and relentless both on and off the field.
After a remarkable redshirt freshman season, Sam Leavitt has emerged as one of the faces of college football.
The Sun Devil QB is set to be one of the cover athletes of EA College Football 26.
Leavitt opened up about leveling up his leadership to drive ASU on its road to glory. pic.twitter.com/0tnQB8RMs1
— Blake Niemann (@Blakes_Take2) April 2, 2025
Sam Leavitt’s mother, Tania Leavitt, provides a steady and no-nonsense balance to Jared Leavitt’s football background. While she has maintained a lower public profile professionally, she has undoubtedly been the emotional cornerstone of the family.
Tania Leavitt didn’t just drive Sam Leavitt to practices or cheer from the sidelines—she also instilled in him how to cope with defeat, even when he loathed it.
“He’s a horrible loser. He lost constantly and would lose it every time,” she shared in an interview. That competitive fire she described? It has proven to be one of Sam Leavitt’s greatest assets as a quarterback.
Sam Leavitt isn’t the only Leavitt making waves in the football world. His older brother, Dallin Leavitt, plays safety for the Green Bay Packers. Dallin Leavitt played college football at BYU and Utah State before earning his stripes in the NFL.
This is clear evidence that the Leavitts aren’t just a football family; they are a football dynasty.
Growing up with his father during his playing prime gave Sam Leavitt an up-close and personal understanding of what it takes to excel on the big stage. He observed the discipline, the dedication, and the mindset required to succeed and absorbed them like gospel.
Sam’s Journey: Backyard Gridiron to Arizona State Star
Sam Leavitt’s playing career began, as many do, in the backyard with his brother, likely arguing about whose turn it was to play quarterback. But he was more than just a kid who could throw; he possessed that special “it” factor even in high school.
His high school journey took him through three different schools, each presenting new challenges that pushed him to elevate his game.
He started at Westview High in Oregon, then spent his sophomore year at Pleasant Grove High in Utah, where he threw for an impressive 1,672 yards and 17 touchdowns. Not a bad transition in a new environment. He returned to Oregon and walked on at West Linn High School for his senior season—and that’s when his talent truly exploded.
Sam Leavitt passed for a remarkable 3,185 yards and 36 touchdowns, leading the team to a stellar 12-1 record and a state championship title. Accolades began pouring in, including Gatorade Oregon Player of the Year and MaxPreps Oregon Player of the Year honors.
Initially, Sam Leavitt signed with Washington State but later flipped his commitment to Michigan State. He saw some action in 2023 as a true freshman, playing in four games and completing 15 of 23 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns.
However, it wasn’t the right fit, and in the modern landscape of college football, the transfer portal offers new opportunities. Sam Leavitt decided to reset and ultimately landed at Arizona State.
And what a pivotal move that turned out to be.
Named ASU’s starting quarterback for the 2024 season, Sam Leavitt ignited and stabilized the Sun Devils’ offense. He threw for nearly 2,900 yards and 24 touchdowns, guiding the team to an impressive 11-2 record and a Big 12 Championship.
He even delivered a standout performance in the title game against Iowa State, throwing for 219 yards and three touchdowns.
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But Sam Leavitt’s uniqueness extends beyond just the numbers; it’s his leadership, his composure, and his undeniable swagger. Head coach Kenny Dillingham had high praise for his quarterback, stating, “He’s a special, special kid. His ability to see the field on game day. His work ethic. You see the process. You see the care level.”
Now, Sam Leavitt is carving out his own legacy in the Arizona heat, one touchdown at a time. With the strong foundation his parents built and the invaluable lessons they instilled in him, there’s no telling how far Sam Leavitt can go.
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