Arizona State’s 34-15 win over Texas State was a statement that put the Sun Devils back on track after the Mississippi State loss. The game started a bit slow with both teams locked in a 3-3 tie at the end of the first quarter, but things erupted in the second quarter. All thanks to one of the most jaw-dropping plays of the young college football season. It was quarterback Sam Leavitt’s touchdown pass to wide receiver Jordyn Tyson that set the tone for the rest of the game.

With the score tied at 3 on a crucial third down, Leavitt scrambled under pressure, rolling out to his left. In a remarkable display of athleticism, he launched a perfectly timed jump pass to Tyson, who leapt over a defender and maintained control to toe-tap the sideline for a 30-yard touchdown. The stadium erupted as the Sun Devils seized control, the momentum now firmly in their favor. In the post-game presser, he peeled back the curtain on that show-stopping play.

“I practice a lot of crazy throws like that,” he said. “Because you never know what position you’re gonna be in, in the game. I missed one earlier in the game, I said I wasn’t gonna miss another one.” In the first quarter, right after Arizona State had put together a solid drive, Sam Leavitt hit tight end Chamon Metayer with a couple of quick passes, but things stalled on third down. Facing fourth, Leavitt tried to avoid the sack and just chucked it out of bounds, turnover on downs to Texas State. By the end of the play, the score was still locked at 3-3. But just after that, the magic happened, and Leavitt was renamed the “flying Leavitt.” 

His performance against Texas State was everything Arizona State fans had been craving. He finished with 188 passing yards, two touchdowns, and added 59 rushing yards. That includes a crucial 1-yard touchdown sneak that punctuated the Sun Devils’ dominance. OC Marcus Arroyo’s game plan finally clicked, and not just for Leavitt. Chamon Metayer made big plays in the passing game, and Raleek Brown powered the run game with some tough, physical runs.

Tyson, on the other hand, was electric, hauling in six catches for 105 yards and repeatedly making defenders look foolish with his athleticism and playmaking skills. However, the Leavitt-Tyson connection showcased the potential for Arizona State’s offense to be explosive in its upcoming Big 12 battles.

The Heisman talks are getting louder for flying Leavitt?

Sam Leavitt came into the 2025 season like a house on fire. He already was circling the Heisman Trophy conversation as if it were his personal honor to claim. After closing 2024 strong, Leavitt entered the offseason with big expectations. He was catching national attention, with scouts, analysts, and fans already whispering his name among the top contenders for college football’s most prestigious award. And let’s just be real: that jump pass touchdown to Jordyn Tyson?

It’s exactly the kind of jaw-dropping play that ends up on Heisman reels and catches the eyes of voters. Leavitt’s Heisman chatter isn’t empty hype. This kid has arm strength that rivals some of the best in college football, combined with sneaky athleticism that makes him a nightmare for defenses. But Leavitt’s path to Heisman glory isn’t without challenges. As noted in his offseason assessments, there are still questions about his footwork and decision speed.

People compare his style to Patrick Mahomes. He plays quarterback with unconventional footwork and jaw-dropping improvisation. But Leavitt needs to balance that flair with foundation to elevate his consistency. This season, the improvements seem to be coming. OC Marcus Arroyo dialed up a game plan built for Leavitt’s strengths, and with teammates like Jordyn Tyson stepping up as steady targets, the stage is set for something special.