As ASU’s QB Sam Leavitt is expected to hit the transfer portal on Jan. 02, Kenny Dillingham has made enough plans to fill the quarterback room. The head coach didn’t hide it, making it public about the quarterback’s status.

Arizona State HC Kenny Dillingham spoke to the media on Dec. 16, after Tuesday’s Sun Bowl practice. When the head coach was asked if the Sun Devils would take a QB in the transfer portal, he replied, “100%.”

He also revealed the traits he expects from the quarterback he’s looking for.

“Guys that are smart, guys that are tough, guys that take care of the football, and guys that are about the team. Smart, tough, the ball of the team.”

The Sun Devils are currently dealing with a lack of depth, especially at the quarterback position. Sam Leavitt, the starting quarterback of ASU for the last two seasons, announced his interest in entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility. On the other hand, Jeff Sims’ eligibility expires this season.

This leaves them with two freshman quarterbacks, Cameron Dyer and Michael Tollefson. Neither of them played a single game in their collegiate career this season. The lack of experience and depth forces coach Dillingham to look for a quarterback in the transfer portal.

With that being said, Kenny Dillingham has some of the experienced top quarterback options in the portal, including DJ Lagway, Dylan Raiola, and Brendon Sorsby.

DJ Lagway from the Florida Gators is a five-star recruit who will be entering the portal with two years of eligibility. His past two seasons weren’t that great, posting just 28 touchdowns and 23 interceptions, dealing with a core-muscle injury. However, a healthy off-season could reinstate his top-tier status.

Dylan Raiola, the five-star recruit of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, will be available with two years of eligibility. The Sun Devils chased him during the 2024 recruiting cycle, but he ended up at Nebraska. However, there’s now a chance to recruit him for the Sun Devils. Raiola has been consistently posting 2000+ yards through two seasons, with 31 touchdowns against 17 interceptions. However, his interceptions have been comparatively lowered by 50% this season.

If not them, Brendon Sorsby from the Cincinnati Bearcats will be available with one year of eligibility. He finishes his 2025 season with a top 10 QBR and is aiming for a breakout year in the coming fall to build his NFL resume.

Weston Nielson commits to Arizona State

While their quarterback hunt is actively undergoing for their 2026 season, Kenny Dillingham has already landed a promising QB prospect for their future. Weston Nielson, a 4-star QB prospect of the 2027 class, announced his commitment to Arizona State on Saturday, Dec. 13. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder is ranked No. 13th QB across the country. He hails from Bastrop High School in Texas, who can balance both the passing and rushing game.

As a junior, he racked up 3,053 passing yards with a 65.8% completion rate, scoring 44 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also rushed for 373 yards and five touchdowns on 40 carries. He has 19 offers from the Power-four schools, including Oregon, SMU, Texas A&M, and Big 12 foes Arizona, Texas Tech, and TCU, but made his commitment decision in favor of the Sun Devils.

It was revealed that Nielsen’s commitment to Arizona State came after reports indicated Kenny Dillingham would remain with the program, signing an extension contract. With that being said, reports reveal that Michigan coaching rumors have sparked interest in the coach.

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