Kenny Dillingham pulled off a masterstroke when he snagged Sam Leavitt from the transfer portal. With Arizona State’s quarterback room struggling in 2023, Dillingham didn’t just fix it—he landed a potential game-changer. This 6’2″, 210-pound transfer from Michigan State quickly turned heads, and by the 2025 spring game, his throws were straight-up dazzling, sparking some serious Heisman talk. Dillingham didn’t just get a quarterback; he might’ve unearthed a future superstar, a true golden arm.
Looks like Kenny Dillingham might not be chasing a national title just yet, but he’s definitely got a knack for finding explosive players, and Sam Leavitt’s killer spring game showed exactly that. The best part? He’s already got Heisman buzz going, and even Dillingham’s calling dibs on his potential. When a reporter straight-up asked Dillingham about those Heisman-level plays from Leavitt, he didn’t hold back. “I think he does. I think Sam’s done everything he can do. You know, we’re about to post his stats later today. I got him—I think he was like 42 for 44, 680 yards, and eight touchdowns.”
But Dillingham’s not the only one seeing Leavitt’s potential. Way back in December, ESPN senior writer Mark Schlabach put Leavitt at number 9 in his “Way Too Early” Heisman contenders list. And why wouldn’t he? Leavitt’s been making big noise with the offense since his first season at ASU. Plus, his combo with RB Cam Skattebo powered the Sun Devils to a quarterfinal run.
Let’s be real, Sam Leavitt’s stats tell the story of some serious talent. This reigning Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year has thrown for a massive 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns, with only 6 picks. His completion rate is around 62%. This spring, his focus has been on stepping up as a leader, aiming to set the tone and rally the team. He’s earned his teammates’ trust, becoming the go-to guy. His coaches are just as intense; Offensive Coordinator Marcus Arroyo, a former QB himself, is pushing Leavitt to constantly communicate and demand more from himself.
Meanwhile, Kenny Dillingham is hyped about Leavitt’s improved game processing and decision-making. “His ability to get the ball out fast, to get the ball out in rhythm, and to throw the quick game is going to be a weapon for him,” Dillingham explained. “Sam’s athletic, so the first thing you do to an athletic quarterback is you spy on him, or you bring twist games to recontain him. Well, if you bring spies, you can throw the ball vertically. Twists or recontained pressures—teams aren’t going to be able to get their hands up.” Now you can see why Dillingham’s so confident about Sam Leavitt being a Heisman contender.
But let’s be real, one guy can’t carry a whole team, right? ASU needs to be healthy, and Kenny Dillingham dropped a surprising update that might just give them a boost this season.
Kenny Dillingham gives an optimistic injury update
Last season saw some key ASU players sidelined by injuries, including their star WR Jordyn Tyson, who went down with a collarbone injury against Arizona. Before that, he was on fire, racking up 1,101 yards and 10 TDs last year. The injury woes didn’t stop there; after surgery, he was back in spring practice, but then tweaked his ankle in the first week.
But things seem to be looking up for Kenny Dillingham’s squad. Giving an injury update, he made it clear that everyone’s currently healthy. “We got some guys dinged up there late. Nothing serious, nothing that would keep people out for the season. Everybody right now should be back for the season.” However, there’s one exception: Cam Dyer. As the HC added, “Exceptions are Cam Dyer. He’s bang-bang; he might be out a little early, and then get back later.”
Cam Dyer showed some serious toughness, playing the entire New Mexico Class 6A state championship game with a torn ACL, completely unaware of the injury. The La Cueva quarterback first hurt his right knee during the semifinals but kept returning to the game. Despite the pain, he played in the following week’s title game, unknowingly making the injury worse. “They think I injured it more by playing,” Dyer told the Albuquerque Journal.
Dyer then had ACL surgery in Tempe. Doctors were worried about further damage, but the results were better than expected. “They thought I might have torn my meniscus as well but it turns out that I didn’t, which is good,” Dyer said. He even posted a hospital photo showing his braced knee on X.
Weeks of uncertainty followed that pre-championship injury before he finally got a diagnosis. But that recovery timeline? It doesn’t seem to faze him. “Depends on my recovery and how my body heals. I’ll definitely know around summer time,” Dyer said. So, while Dyer’s recovery might take a bit, ASU looks like they’re in pretty good shape heading into the season.
The post Kenny Dillingham Clears Stance on Sam Leavitt’s Heisman Fate as ASU HC Announces Major Spring Injury Update appeared first on EssentiallySports.