Michigan State Transfer QB Sam Leavitt Commits To New School
The first of Michigan State's three scholarship quarterbacks who entered the transfer portal this offseason has found a new home.
On Monday, true freshman and former 2023 four-star recruit Sam Leavitt announced via social media that he was committed to Arizona State and second-year Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham.
New Beginnings 🔱🔱 pic.twitter.com/fTASbQugiW
— Sam Leavitt (@S_leav10) December 11, 2023
A native of Oregon, Leavitt was originally committed to Washington State during his high school recruitment, but flipped to Michigan State after a strong push from then-head coach Mel Tucker and then-offensive coordinator Jay Johnson. Leavitt appeared in four games for the Spartans this season, compiling 139 passing yards and two touchdown while completing 15-of-23 (65.2%) pass attempts, with two interceptions. Leavitt brought an extra element to MSU's offense with his running ability, totaling 67 rushing yards on 13 carries.
After playing four games this past season, Leavitt and Michigan State made the mutual decision to shut the freshman down in order for him to redshirt and preserve a season of eligibility. While never confirmed, Leavitt has hinted at remaining in East Lansing through the Spartans' coaching change, but that changed when MSU ultimately landed on former Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith as the next leader of the Spartans.
Leavitt was the 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year in the state of Oregon, but never received a scholarship offer from Smith at Oregon State. This was likely due to the fact the Smith and the Beavers had already landed their perceived 'quarterback of the future' in fellow four-star Aidan Chiles in the 2023 class. However, Leavitt was miffed by Smith overlooking him as a high school recruit, and decided to continue his career elsewhere.
It's highly possible that Chiles will follow Smith to Michigan State this offseason. The backup at Oregon State this past season, Chiles entered the transfer portal himself last week and visited East Lansing this past weekend.
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