Sam Leavitt sharp in return vs. Texas Tech, leads game-winning drive

Sam Leavitt rarely looked hampered by any foot injury on Saturday as he made his return against No. 7 Texas Tech.

Oct 18, 2025, 4:51 PM Updated: 8:17 pm

Watch: State of the Sun Devils: Who will start for ASU football this season? | 30 mins

TEMPE — Sam Leavitt rarely looked hampered by any foot injury on Saturday as he made his return against No. 7 Texas Tech.

Leavitt led the Sun Devils on a 10-play, 75 yard drive to cap a wild scoring surge at the end of the game that saw three touchdowns scored in the final 3:45.

The QB completed five passes on the drive, including a 33-yarder on 4th and 2 to Jordyn Tyson to get ASU deep into Texas Tech territory.

It was good enough to earn a gritty 26-22 win on a beautiful Saturday in Tempe.

sam leavitt and kenny dillingham couldn’t decide who deserves more credit for asu’s ability to execute in the clutch pic.twitter.com/BnTYR8x61Q

— Damon Allred (@iamdamonallred) October 19, 2025

The Arizona State quarterback took his share of sacks from a stellar defensive line early, but once he had settled back down and knocked some rust off, Leavitt was as sharp as he’s been all season.

He wasn’t scrambling to run as much as he normally does, but there was still enough mobility to evade pressure on numerous occasions.

Leavitt did so ahead of a 49-yard pass to Jaren Hamilton early.

Jaren Hamilton with a BIG TIME CATCH 🔱@ASUFootball pic.twitter.com/r1AzWYpKX9

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 18, 2025

There was a 45-yard pass to Hamilton later, and he found Jordyn Tyson for ASU’s only touchdown of the day, as red zone issues continue to hinder its offense.

After he was 10 of 18 in the first half, shaking off the rust, Leavitt was a much busier 18 of 29 in the second half.

He outdueled Texas Tech backup quarterback Will Hammond, who in previous games flashed potential to be better than starter Behren Morton.

Hammond had 167 yards and two touchdown passes for Texas Tech.

Damon Allred ASU reporter, ArizonaSports.com editor

Damon Allred is the Arizona State reporter for Arizona Sports and is a web editor for arizonasports.com and KTAR.com. Born and raised in the Valley, Damon has lived in the metro Phoenix area for most of his life. He began covering ASU in fall 2024… Read more

Comments

Solis Diabolus 9 months ago

Anyone who thought ASU’s defensive performance last week was the norm, this game definitely should have put it to bed

Nervy at the end and our red-zone offensive playcalling is still maddening at times, but the defense is playing at a very high level indeed. Huge win, and we’re back in the Big 12 conversation

Armchair QB 9 months ago

These are the cardiac Devils we know with Leavitt in charge and a defense to give the team a chance. Leavitt appeared to be tentative with his running in the 1st half, but opened it up in the 2nd half. I was elated to see him leading the offense as he picked apart the TT secondary. Nailing the 4th & 2 with 0.55 left Tyson pass, was as critical a play this entire season. We Beat the AP #7 team in the nation!

Kicker Jesus Gomez hit four critical FG's today. This is not the first time he has performed this feat. This game was 9-7 and we could not score a TD in the 1st half.

John L 9 months ago

Great win for ASU. Almost blew it though 😳 But didn’t 😁

Sam Leavitt sharp in return vs. Texas Tech, leads game-winning drive

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