Hold onto your hats, college football fans, because the transfer portal just got a whole lot more exciting! Kentucky is making a bold move to land one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in the nation, and it’s a story you won’t want to miss. Sam Leavitt, the Arizona State transfer QB who led the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024, is reportedly planning a visit to Kentucky, according to sources close to KSR. This comes hot on the heels of KSR+’s report hinting at a potential connection between Leavitt and the Wildcats—a connection that’s now looking more concrete than ever.
But here’s where it gets even more intriguing: Leavitt isn’t just any transfer quarterback. Standing at 6-foot-2, the West Linn, Oregon native burst onto the scene at Arizona State, throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns with only six interceptions in his debut season. Oh, and did we mention he also rushed for 443 yards and five touchdowns? His dual-threat abilities helped the Sun Devils clinch a Big 12 Championship and a CFP quarterfinals berth, where they fell to Texas in a heart-stopping double-overtime game. Talk about making an entrance!
However, Leavitt’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As a redshirt sophomore in 2025, he faced a season-ending foot surgery after just seven games, limiting his stats to 1,628 passing yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Yet, his resilience and talent are undeniable, and with two years of eligibility remaining, he’s a high-value target for any program.
And this is the part most people miss: Kentucky’s head coach, Will Stein, is doubling down on his promise to bring in top-tier talent and put them in a position to succeed. Landing Leavitt would be a massive statement for Stein’s first year at the helm, especially in the ultra-competitive SEC. But here’s the controversial question: Can Kentucky truly compete with powerhouse programs like Oregon, Miami, LSU, and Texas Tech for Leavitt’s signature? These schools are also in the running, and Leavitt entered the portal with a do-not-contact tag, adding another layer of complexity to this high-stakes recruitment.
On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed that the Wildcats are serious contenders, but the race is far from over. For Kentucky fans, the prospect of Leavitt donning the blue and white is thrilling—a potential game-changer for a program hungry for success. But for skeptics, the question remains: Is Kentucky the right fit for a quarterback of Leavitt’s caliber, or will he opt for a more established contender?
What do you think? Is Kentucky’s pursuit of Sam Leavitt a game-winning move, or are they in over their heads? Let us know in the comments below—this is one debate you won’t want to sit out!
