BreakingNews: QB Sam Leavitt Hints at Pass-Heavier Offense for Arizona State Sun Devils in 2025 After Cam Skattebo’s Departure…………
Tempe, AZ — In a significant shift that could redefine Arizona State’s offensive identity, sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt has signaled that the Sun Devils are preparing to adopt a more pass-oriented offensive scheme heading into the 2025 college football season. This revelation comes as the team begins its first offseason workouts without star running back Cam Skattebo, whose departure leaves a sizable gap in the Sun Devils’ backfield.
Skattebo, who declared for the NFL Draft following the 2024 season, was the centerpiece of ASU’s ground game over the last two years. The do-it-all back amassed over 1,700 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns during his Sun Devil career, and his physical, downhill style was a staple in head coach Kenny Dillingham’s balanced offensive approach. His absence, however, is now forcing the coaching staff to reimagine their strategy — one that appears ready to lean into the aerial talents of Leavitt.
Sam Leavitt: From Backup to Breakout
Leavitt, a former four-star recruit who transferred from Michigan State in 2024, stepped into the starting quarterback role midway through last season and immediately impressed with his poise and arm talent. In limited action, he completed 67% of his passes for 1,245 yards and 10 touchdowns, showing a quick release and a knack for reading defenses. His performance not only helped ASU close the season with momentum but also earned him the full confidence of the coaching staff heading into 2025.
In a media availability following spring practice on Tuesday, Leavitt offered some insight into the team’s new offensive direction:
> “We’ve got a lot of young talent at receiver and tight end, and the coaches are giving us the green light to push the ball downfield more. It’s no secret that without Cam [Skattebo], we’re going to have to spread things out and create plays through the air.”
That statement reflects a broader philosophical shift for Dillingham’s offense — one that embraces tempo, spacing, and vertical passing concepts, a departure from the run-heavy balance that defined recent seasons.
Coaching Staff Doubling Down on Air Attack
Offensive coordinator Beau Baldwin also acknowledged the changes in the works, noting that the current roster composition favors a pass-first approach.
> “You don’t replace a guy like Skattebo easily. He was a unicorn in terms of toughness and versatility. But we’ve recruited some dynamic receivers and athletic tight ends, and we believe Sam [Leavitt] can be one of the top QBs in the Pac-12. We’re designing the system around his strengths.”
Among the key receiving weapons for Leavitt in 2025 will be sophomore wideout Jayden Rashada Jr., transfer WR Jalen Brown from LSU, and returning tight end Mark Redman, who led the team in receptions last year. Baldwin hinted at more four-wide sets and greater use of run-pass option (RPO) plays to keep defenses honest.
Transition in the Backfield
While the passing game garners the spotlight, the Sun Devils will also have to find answers in the backfield. Redshirt freshman Terrell Brooks and junior Jordan Price are expected to compete for the starting job, but neither has proven experience. Their development — or lack thereof — could further push ASU into a pass-dominant rhythm.
Former Oregon Ducks assistant and running backs coach Carlos Locklyn, who joined the Sun Devils in January, acknowledged the challenge:
> “You can’t truly replace Cam, but you can diversify. We’ll be more situational in our run game, using it to complement rather than control the offense.”
Fans and Analysts React
The news has sparked a wave of reactions from Sun Devil fans and college football analysts alike. While some worry that an unbalanced offense might make ASU one-dimensional, others are excited about the potential fireworks in the passing game.
CBS Sports analyst Dennis Dodd commented on the shift:
> “Leavitt is the real deal. If ASU commits to opening up the playbook, they could surprise some people. But they’ll need to protect him and find ways to generate short-yardage conversions without Skattebo.”
What’s Next?
Arizona State opens the 2025 season with a high-profile non-conference matchup against Texas Tech, a game that will serve as a litmus test for Leavitt and the reimagined offense. With the Pac-12 in transition and a wide-open race expected in the conference, the Sun Devils could ride their quarterback-led attack into serious contention — or struggle if the ground game fails to offer stability.
For now, the message from Tempe is clear: The Sun Devils are betting on their quarterback — and by extension, the air — to carry them into a new era.
