Major Shakeup for Arizona State: Starting QB and Tackle Enter Transfer Portal

Arizona State’s football program faces a significant rebuild. Starting quarterback Sam Leavitt and left tackle Josh Atkins plan to enter the transfer portal. This news broke on Monday, December 8th. Both players intend to leave when the portal window opens on January 2nd.

The departures strike at the core of the Sun Devils’ offense. Leavitt was the team’s star quarterback before a season-ending injury. Atkins was a two-year starter and a team captain. These moves signal a major challenge for head coach Kenny Dillingham.

Sam Leavitt’s Departure Stems from O-Line Concerns

According to a report from PHNX, Sam Leavitt intends to transfer. The decision is not related to financial incentives. Sources indicate a lack of confidence in the program’s ability to build a strong offensive line for 2026.

Leavitt’s camp is concerned about protection for the quarterback. This comes after Leavitt suffered a foot injury that required surgery in November. He had previously expressed strong confidence in Coach Dillingham’s ability to prepare him for the NFL. Potential destinations mentioned include Miami, Tennessee, and Texas Tech.

Veteran Lineman Josh Atkins Also Exits

The offensive line took another hit with Josh Atkins’s decision. The starting left tackle for the past two seasons also plans to enter the portal. Atkins made 39 consecutive starts for the Sun Devils after transferring from Hawaii.

His departure creates a substantial hole on the offensive front. It follows the recent commitment of junior college tackle Jarmaine Mitchell. Mitchell flipped from Georgia to Arizona State last week. His arrival may now be even more critical for the team’s immediate future.

The expected exits of Sam Leavitt and Josh Atkins represent a pivotal moment for Arizona State football. The program must now navigate the transfer portal to retool its offense for the 2026 season, a task that will define the upcoming offseason.

Info at your fingertips

Why is Sam Leavitt transferring from Arizona State?

Reports indicate his decision is primarily about offensive line concerns. Those close to him lack confidence in the unit’s development for the 2026 season, which is seen as a critical risk for a quarterback.

When can the players officially enter the transfer portal?

Both Leavitt and Atkins plan to enter when the transfer portal’s next window opens. That window is scheduled to begin on January 2, 2026.

Who was Josh Atkins for Arizona State?

Josh Atkins was a team captain and the starting left tackle for the past two seasons. He made 39 consecutive starts after transferring from the University of Hawaii.

How does this impact Arizona State’s recruiting?

The loss of a starting QB and LT increases urgency in the portal. The recent commitment of JUCO tackle Jarmaine Mitchell becomes even more significant to address the immediate line needs.

What are potential destinations for Sam Leavitt?

Early speculation from reports links Leavitt to several major programs. Schools like Miami, Tennessee, Indiana, and Texas Tech have been mentioned as potential fits.