The Arizona State football team is bracing for the departure of quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is set to enter the transfer portal. With Leavitt’s potential exit, the team will also see quarterback Jeff Sims exhaust his eligibility, prompting a need for ASU to seek a new quarterback for the upcoming season.
While the Sun Devils boast some promising young quarterbacks on their roster and a highly-regarded recruit expected to join them from high school, the prevailing sentiment among fans and analysts is that ASU will actively pursue a quarterback through the transfer portal. The transfer portal opens on January 2, providing a critical opportunity for ASU to enhance its lineup.
Potential candidates for the quarterback position include Colton Joseph from Old Dominion, Dylan Raiola from Nebraska, and DJ Lagway from Florida.
Colton Joseph, a sophomore, had an impressive season last year, amassing 2,624 passing yards along with 21 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility with 1,007 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. His dual-threat capability makes him a particularly appealing option for ASU. Analysts have noted Joseph’s fit with ASU’s offensive system, crediting head coach Kenny Dillingham’s successful track record in developing quarterbacks.
Dylan Raiola, who recently announced his intent to enter the transfer portal, has also been linked to ASU. After throwing for 18 touchdowns and 2,000 yards as a sophomore at Nebraska, his connections to Arizona through his high school career create a narrative that could lead him to Tempe. His potential as a bridge quarterback for the Sun Devils has drawn attention from sports commentators.
DJ Lagway has also garnered interest among ASU fans after racking up 2,264 passing yards and 16 touchdowns, though he faced challenges with interceptions last season. Observers point to ASU’s offensive system and Dillingham’s coaching style as significant draws for Lagway, who could find an inviting opportunity in Tempe.
The quarterback options extend beyond these three names, as numerous players are anticipated to enter the transfer portal, including Brendan Sorsby from Cincinnati, Trey Owens from Texas, and Aidan Chiles from Michigan State, among others. This expanding pool of quarterbacks could provide ASU with various directions for strengthening their position.
As the Sun Devils prepare for an exciting transfer portal period, speculation continues to mount about who will take the helm as the starting quarterback. Dillingham’s ability to secure a new player to lead ASU could sway the team’s fortunes in the challenging landscape of college football. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the decisions that will define the Sun Devils ahead of the 2025-26 season.