ESPN ranks ASU’s Sam Leavitt, Jordyn Tyson on top 100 players list ahead of 2025 season

Arizona State football’s Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson were listed in the top 100 of the best players in college football ahead of the 2025 season, per ESPN.

ESPN listed Leavitt as the 21st best player headed into 2025. Kyle Bonagura noted that Leavitt’s performance during the Sun Devil’s Big 12 Championship season last year, as well as his dual-threat presence in ASU’s offense, makes him one of the top quarterbacks to watch out for this season.

During his first year in Tempe, Leavitt had arguably the best freshman season in school history, setting the freshman record for total offense (3,328) while guiding the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff. He was effective as a passer (2,885 yards). But his additional ability to make plays on the run (443 yards) is what sets him up to be one of the best quarterbacks in college football in 2025.

Tyson also appeared in the top 30, listed as the 28th best player headed into the season. Bonagura said Tyson enters 2025 as one the top receivers in all of college football, especially after his strong 2024 campaign.

Tyson’s 2024 breakout season cemented him as one of the nation’s premier receivers. He earned Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year honors, hauled in 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns, and posted five 100-yard games. All of that took place during the regular season, as Tyson missed the Big 12 championship game and the CFP quarterfinal game because of injury.

Xavion Alford rounds out ASU players on list

Defensive back Xavion Alford was the last ASU player to appear on the list, ranked as the 86th best player headed into the season. Alford is coming off a 2024 season where he registered 85 total tackles with five passes defensed and two interceptions.

Bonagura noted that Alford was another player who had a breakout season at ASU last year and his coverage stats were a key reason for his appearance on the list.

After stints at Texas and USC, Alford had a breakout season with the Sun Devils in 2024, playing a huge role in the upstart program’s run to the College Football Playoff. According to ASU, he allowed just nine receptions in coverage while playing 522 snaps — an incredible ratio that ranked among the very best defensive backs in the country.

The Sun Devils will kick off their season at Mountain America Stadium against Northern Arizona on Aug. 30.

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