Sam Leavitt’s ascent at Arizona State is no longer a story of upside with little to show. After arriving in Tempe last year, the junior quarterback is entering Year 2 with increased expectations, and his name is already drawing comparisons to some of the game’s top prospects. In this week’s First Draft, ESPN’s Field Yates and Mel Kiper Jr. shared their first mock of the 2026 NFL Draft, placing Leavitt at No. 9 overall to the Los Angeles Rams as a potential successor to Matthew Stafford.
Yates pointed out that Stafford’s ongoing back issue creates a “year-to-year” decision for a franchise that wants to be ready for the future, and Kiper added that a team with proven drafting excellence could feel confident about hand-picking its quarterback of the next era. The overall takeaway: Leavitt has cemented himself as a quarterback worth watching closely as he progresses in ASU’s system.
Statistically, Leavitt had a telling breakout season last fall. He completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 2,885 yards, threw 24 touchdowns and just six interceptions, and added 443 rushing yards with five rushing scores. His performance helped guide the Sun Devils to an 11-3 record, a conference title, and a CFP appearance, with his efficiency rising as the season progressed.
As the season wore on, Leavitt’s accuracy and decision-making sharpened in high-pressure moments. In the final seven games from November onward, he completed 65.6 percent of his passes for an average of about 246 yards per game, and he totaled 16 touchdowns against only two interceptions. The chatter around him grew louder as he delivered when the pace quickened and the spotlight intensified, reinforcing the “gamer” label that Yates and Kiper emphasized.
The Rams’ hypothetical selection of Leavitt at No. 9 would mark a sharp turn from the path many expected for 2026, but it fits the broader narrative around a quarterback who can move, improvise, and play with swagger. Kiper drew a direct line between Leavitt’s balance of athleticism and his competitive fire, comparing his swagger to Bakers Mayfield’s in a way that underlines the kind of profile NFL teams crave in today’s game.
For ASU, the buzz around Leavitt’s NFL potential is more than just draft chatter. It highlights the program’s rising visibility and the growing optimism around its offense, especially as Leavitt builds on a strong foundation from last season. If he continues to perform at a high level and translate college success into consistency, the pathway to a high draft slot could stay on track.
What this means for Sun Devils fans is tangible: a quarterback who has already proven he can perform under pressure, paired with a program that’s gaining momentum and national attention. Leavitt’s trajectory is the centerpiece of ASU’s blueprint as they head into the next season, with the larger hope that his development will translate into sustained success for the team and continued intrigue for NFL evaluators.
Additional notes and value adds:
– The comparison to Mayfield underscores Leavitt’s blend of mobility, toughness, and late-game poise—traits that often translate well to professional teams seeking immediate impact players.
– If Leavitt maintains the improvement curve the rest of his college career, the 2026 draft conversation around him could shift from “early riser” to “top-10 prospect,” changing both his and ASU’s narrative in the college football landscape.
– A potential Rams fit would hinge on Stafford’s health and a trusted, dynamic quarterback development track under a franchise known for strong evaluator culture.
Summary: Sam Leavitt’s rapid climb in ASU’s system, combined with strong late-season production and a high-profile NFL mock projection, positions him as a hot topic in quarterback development discussions. The next season will be pivotal in determining whether his college performance translates into long-term draft momentum and a possible breakout role at the pro level.
Positive note: The storyline around Leavitt is uplifting for ASU and its fans, signaling a program that developing a capable leader and turning into a national talking point as he refines his craft.