Kenny Dillingham’s Arizona State receives a shocker following the latest development regarding star QB Sam Leavitt. He sustained a season-ending foot injury against Baylor and has been out of the Sun Devils’ lineup. Now, reports are emerging that he is hitting the transfer portal, with his older brother clearing the air.

Recently, Pete Nakos reported that the quarterback is hitting the transfer portal. “On3’s Steve Wiltfong and Pete Nakos have learned that the camp of Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt is actively shopping the talented passer “at a high level” to other programs with the plan of entering the Transfer Portal when the window opens on Jan. 2.” However, Sam’s brother, who represents him through CAA, shared that it is not true and called out Pete Nakos and On3. “@0n3 Y’all are a joke. Addressed this right before Pete released the news….”he wrote.

Dallin, a former NFL safety who played for six years in the league with the Raiders and the Packers, attached a screenshot of the conversation that had taken place between them on Instagram. In the snap, Pete has texted the 31-year-old, “Dallin, hope you’re well. Pete Nakos. Wanted to give you the heads up that we’re reporting Sam is expected to enter the transfer portal and is doubtful to return to Arizona State.” Even Dallin’s reply at the time expressed his frustration.

“Why would you do that? That’s not where things are right now…he’s still deciding what he wants to do.” So, the younger Leavitt is still deciding his next step, and as of now, he hasn’t reached a decision. But there is no shortage of suitors.

According to The Athletic, Miami and Texas Tech are “two potential destinations for Leavitt,” as both programs’ starting quarterbacks are in their final year of eligibility. “Both (programs) have shown willingness in past cycles to spend big in the portal for players at positions of need.” Moreover, he might command more than $2 million if he enters the portal. As of now, the report regarding Sam Leavitt entering the portal has been refuted by his brother. Even the ASU’s HC indirectly hinted at his moves to keep the elite talent around.

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Kenny Dillingham, who himself has been among the hottest names on the coaching carousel, has stated that Arizona State is committed to splurging money. “We met … with our (administration) … and I have a lot of confidence that they’re all-in,” Dillingham said. “I have a lot of confidence that our administration is pushing the chips to the table on winning in football here. … This university is supporting football and doubling down on what we’re doing right now.” Arizona State will have to make that investment to ensure that Sam Leavitt stays.

Sam Leavitt’s biggest supporter

Injuries have plagued Sam Leavitt’s collegiate journey, and Dallin has always been the biggest supporter. Last season, when the QB was injured against Utah, he asked his brother to come to the locker room. And Dallin was there. Sam had exited the game four minutes into the second quarter and was in immense pain, finding it difficult to breathe, which would later be diagnosed as broken ribs and a punctured lung.

However, Leavitt would still go on to score in the second half. Armed with his brother’s encouragement, “You have to go out and win the game,” Leavitt got off, shaking off the pain, and led a 27-19 victory. That season, he led Arizona State to the Big 12 Championship game and a playoff appearance. He threw 24 touchdowns for 2,885 yards and five scores. Because of his season-ending injury, there is no emergency for him to make the next move.

Plus, programs like Clemson, Vanderbilt, LSU, and Penn State could also be looking for a replacement, as their star QBs have exhausted their eligibility. Amid this uncertainty, one thing is sure: the support from his older brother will be there.