Former Spartan QB Sam Leavitt Back in the Portal - and Could Be Headed for a Big Ten Reunion
Sam Leavitt’s college football journey is taking another turn. The former Michigan State quarterback, who just wrapped up two seasons at Arizona State, is back in the transfer portal - and this time, he’s one of the most intriguing names available.
Leavitt’s time in Tempe was anything but quiet. After transferring from Michigan State, he helped guide the Sun Devils to a Big 12 title and a spot in the College Football Playoff - a major leap for both the program and his personal résumé. Now, with another move on the horizon, several major programs are in the mix to land him.
According to reports, Oregon, Indiana, Miami (FL), and LSU are all in the hunt for Leavitt. Each program presents a different opportunity, but one destination in particular could set the stage for a compelling storyline next fall: Oregon.
If Leavitt chooses the Ducks, he’d be back in the Big Ten - and potentially facing off against his former team. Michigan State is slated to play Oregon next season, which means Leavitt could find himself lining up opposite the school he once called home. That’s the kind of full-circle moment college football fans live for.
Leavitt’s departure from East Lansing came after a coaching change that shook up the quarterback room. When Jonathan Smith arrived from Oregon State, he brought Aidan Chiles with him - a move that signaled a new direction for the Spartans. Leavitt, who had shown flashes of promise during his freshman season in 2023, opted to transfer out shortly after.
Ironically, Chiles is now reportedly back in the portal as well, meaning both quarterbacks who were once part of Michigan State’s future are now searching for new homes again. It’s a reminder of how quickly the landscape can shift in today’s college football - especially in the era of the portal.
Leavitt, a native of Oregon, would be a natural fit with the Ducks if the opportunity is there. That decision may hinge on whether current Oregon quarterback Dante Moore declares for the NFL Draft. If Moore moves on, Leavitt could step into a high-powered offense with national title aspirations - and a chance to play meaningful football in a conference he once called home.
Wherever he lands, Leavitt brings experience, poise, and a proven ability to lead a team on a big stage. For programs looking for a plug-and-play quarterback with upside, he checks a lot of boxes.
And if the road leads back to the Big Ten? Well, that just adds another layer of intrigue to what’s already shaping up to be a fascinating offseason.