Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt’s future with the Sun Devils is looking increasingly uncertain. According to On3’s Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos, the 20-year-old’s camp is actively shopping “at a high level” to other programs with plans to enter the transfer portal. However, this story is not that straightforward. 

The report further added that QB’s return to Arizona State for a third year is “doubtful.” But his brother Dallin, who represents him through CAA, told Nakos that a final decision hasn’t been made yet. The off-field issues only highlight the year he is having in Tempe, Arizona. 

The 2025 season has been a disappointing one for the ASU QB following his team’s Big 12 Championship and College Football Playoff appearance last year. This year, injuries derailed what was supposed to be a Heisman Trophy campaign. Yet, if Sam Leavitt does hit the portal, three programs could be particularly interested in landing the talented signal-caller.

Clemson Tigers

The Tigers might be the most logical landing spot for Leavitt if he’s looking to compete at the highest level. Clemson’s current starter, Cade Klubnik, has played his final season of eligibility in 2025. If it weren’t for Clemson’s poor season, people would’ve appreciated Klubnik’s 2025 season more. 

But now Dabo Swinney will need someone capable of running Garrett Riley’s system, as Klubnik has exhausted his eligibility. And Sam Leavitt would be an ideal fit. He’s proven he can win at the Power Five level, leading Arizona State to a conference championship in his first full season as a starter. Clemson has developed a young and deep receiving room, giving Leavitt legitimate weapons to work with. For a quarterback looking to rebuild his draft stock after an injury-plagued season, Clemson offers elite coaching, proven development, and a national stage.​

Texas Tech Red Raiders

The Red Raiders present an intriguing option for Leavitt. Texas Tech’s current starter, Behren Morton, will also exhaust his senior season at the end of the 2025 campaign. They will need a proven replacement who can step in and keep the offense humming. Leavitt once again fits that bill perfectly. 

He’s a dual-threat quarterback with 10 rushing touchdowns over the past two seasons, which would mesh well with the Red Raiders’ up-tempo offensive system. Currently, the Joey McGuire team ranks #8 in total offense, while Ole Miss ranks #3. Not to forget, the Big 12 migration is a plus point. Sam Leavitt already knows the conference well enough to take over the rising Red Raiders program. Texas Tech has also demonstrated that it’s willing to pay top dollar for elite talent. Just look at the $5.1 million deal they gave five-star offensive tackle Felix Ojo. 

For Leavitt, Texas Tech offers a quarterback-friendly system, serious NIL money, and the chance to be the next in a long line of Red Raiders quarterbacks who’ve gone on to NFL success.​

Vanderbilt Commodores

The Commodores might seem like an unconventional choice, but they could desperately need Sam Leavitt’s services after Diego Pavia’s eligibility runs out. Pavia, who won a landmark legal battle to gain an extra year of eligibility for this season, has already confirmed that 2025 will be his final year. The QB’s impact on Vanderbilt has been massive. He’s helped turn the Commodores from a perennial SEC doormat into a competitive program. But once the 23-year-old leaves, the program will be searching for a quarterback who can maintain the momentum Clark Lea has built. 

Leavitt would give the Commodores a proven winner with conference championship experience and the dual-threat ability that made Pavia so dangerous. Vanderbilt has shown it can compete in the SEC when they have the right quarterback. And Leavitt could be the guy to keep them relevant in one of college football’s toughest conferences. 

Clemson, Texas Tech, and Vanderbilt aren’t the only programs that could kick the tires on Leavitt once he hits the portal. LSU might be in the market for a quarterback, as Nussmeier’s season and eligibility are over. Penn State could also be looking for a replacement, as Drew Allar is in the same boat as Nussmeier.

Both programs offer big-time stages and resources that could appeal to Sam Leavitt as he looks to rebuild his NFL draft profile. With two years of eligibility remaining after this season, Leavitt has plenty of time to make an impact wherever he lands. The transfer portal window opens January 2, and it remains to be seen where the former Arizona State star will ultimately decide to continue his college career. But one thing’s for certain. There will be no shortage of suitors lining up to land a quarterback who’s already proven his mettle time and again.