Sam Leavitt NFL Draft 2026: 5 Reasons Why The Polarizing QB Is A Top-10 Pick Or A Bust
The conversation surrounding Sam Leavitt's 2026 NFL Draft stock has reached a fever pitch this December 22, 2025. The former Arizona State quarterback, who recently entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, is arguably the most polarizing prospect in the entire class, with scouting reports ranging from a potential top-ten pick to a Day 2 project player. His dramatic college journey—which includes a transfer from Michigan State and a highly successful, yet injury-shortened, 2025 season at ASU—has made him a must-watch figure for NFL scouts and college football fans alike. The next step in his career, whether it's a move to a major SEC or ACC program, will directly impact his draft trajectory, especially with two years of collegiate eligibility remaining.
The urgency to track Leavitt's movements is fueled by his undeniable on-field production and the massive $2.1 million NIL valuation he carries into the transfer market. Analysts like Mel Kiper Jr. have already weighed in, drawing a comparison to a former No. 1 overall pick, which immediately catapults Leavitt into the elite tier of discussion for the 2026 draft. This article breaks down the complete profile, the scouting buzz, and the critical transfer decision that will determine if Sam Leavitt becomes the next franchise quarterback or a massive draft bust.
Sam Leavitt: Complete Biographical Profile and College Career Timeline
Sam Leavitt is a highly decorated quarterback whose college career has been marked by early success and significant mobility between programs. His profile is that of a modern, athletic signal-caller with a proven track record of elevating an offense quickly.
- Full Name: Sam Leavitt
- Date of Birth: December 20, 2004 (Age 21 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: West Linn, Oregon
- High School: West Linn High School (also attended Westview and Pleasant Grove)
- Position: Quarterback (QB)
- Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
- Weight: 205 lbs
- Class: Redshirt Sophomore (Two years of collegiate eligibility remaining)
- Previous Colleges: Michigan State University, Arizona State University (ASU)
- Key Awards: Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2024), Second-team All-Big 12 (2024)
The Rollercoaster College Journey
Leavitt began his collegiate career at Michigan State before transferring to Arizona State ahead of the 2024 season. His time at ASU was transformative; he was a major piece in revitalizing the Sun Devils' football program, which culminated in a Big 12 title and a College Football Playoff run. In his breakout 2024 season, he earned the Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year award. Unfortunately, his 2025 season was cut short due to an injury, leading to his decision to enter the transfer portal to seek a new, high-level opportunity.
The 2026 NFL Draft Buzz: Baker Mayfield Comparison and Scouting Report
Sam Leavitt's name is a fixture on most early 2026 NFL Draft Big Boards, but his evaluation is far from unanimous. He is a 'boom or bust' prospect, and his next collegiate stop is a critical factor in how scouts will ultimately grade him.
Why He's Compared to Baker Mayfield
The most compelling piece of draft buzz comes from ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., who has compared Leavitt's style of play to that of former No. 1 overall pick, Baker Mayfield. This comparison is rooted in Leavitt’s ability to improvise, his competitive fire, and his knack for making high-leverage throws. Like Mayfield, Leavitt displays excellent pocket awareness and mobility, allowing him to extend plays and make something out of nothing.
Leavitt's Strengths and Weaknesses
Scouting reports highlight a number of elite traits that make Leavitt a potential first-round pick, but also point to areas that must be refined before he can be considered a lock.
Strengths: The 'Boom' Potential
- Mental Acuity: Scouts praise his high-level preparation and ability to process in-game information quickly, adjusting on the fly.
- Pocket Awareness and Mobility: He is an elusive playmaker who uses his athleticism to escape pressure, a crucial trait in the modern NFL.
- Arm Talent: While some reports view his arm strength as average, others describe it as "very good," suggesting he has the velocity needed to make all the necessary throws.
- Winning Pedigree: He has proven he can lead a team to a conference title (Big 12) and compete at a high level.
Weaknesses: The 'Bust' Concerns
- Inconsistent Mechanics: One of the primary concerns is a lack of polish, showing inconsistent throwing mechanics that can lead to accuracy issues.
- Late Reads: He occasionally makes late reads on deep targets, which could be exploited by NFL defenses.
- Injury History: His 2025 season was cut short by injury, which will be a factor for NFL teams evaluating his durability.
The Transfer Portal Saga: How His Next Team Impacts His Draft Stock
Sam Leavitt's decision to enter the transfer portal as a high-value commodity ($2.1M NIL valuation) has created a frenzy among top college programs. His choice of a new school is arguably the most important decision of his career, as it will serve as the final audition for the NFL Draft.
Potential High-Level Destinations
Leavitt is actively seeking a "high-level" program where he can immediately compete for a national title and showcase his abilities against elite competition. The SEC and ACC are reportedly calling. Several top programs have been mentioned as primary contenders for his services:
- Texas Tech: A Big 12 program that could offer him a comfortable return to a familiar conference where he excelled.
- LSU: A perennial SEC powerhouse that offers an immediate spotlight and a history of producing high-level NFL quarterbacks.
- Miami (FL): A major ACC program that would give him a chance to shine on the national stage.
- Florida State (FSU): Another top-tier ACC destination known for developing quarterback talent.
- Indiana: A surprise contender, demonstrating the wide interest in his elite talent.
The Draft Stock Equation
For Leavitt to solidify his status as a top-ten or even a first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, he needs two things from his next destination:
- Elite Competition: Playing in a conference like the SEC or a top-tier ACC schedule will prove he can perform against NFL-caliber defensive talent week after week.
- Consistency and Refinement: He needs a coaching staff that can iron out his mechanical inconsistencies and improve his deep-ball accuracy and decision-making. If he can demonstrate consistent polish throughout a full 2026 season, he will silence the 'bust' concerns and confirm the Baker Mayfield comparison.
The final destination of this Redshirt Sophomore will be the biggest story of the college football offseason, and the ultimate determinant of his fate in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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