Miami Needs To Go After Transfer QB Sam Leavitt

Arizona State’s quarterback Sam Leavitt informed Kenny Dillingham he plans to enter the transfer portal, which places a proven Power Four quarterback with Big 12 hardware on the market. Quarterbacks with that résumé rarely linger, and Miami should get involved in the competition.

Leavitt checks every on-field box. He led ASU to a College Football Playoff trip in 2024 with 2,885 passing yards, 24 touchdowns and only six picks, plus 443 rushing yards and five scores. Before his foot injury cut short the 2025 season, he posted 1,628 passing yards with 10 TDs to 3 INT and another five rushing touchdowns. Evaluators already view him as a potential first-round NFL quarterback.

The profile fits Mario Cristobal’s vision. Leavitt thrives in spread concepts, yet he throws with timing and toughness from the pocket. He extends plays, rips intermediate windows and punishes defenses on broken plays. Miami’s offense under Carson Beck leans on a strong run game and vertical shots; a healthy Leavitt can operate within that structure while adding more designed quarterback run elements.

Beck graduates after this playoff push. Emory Williams, Luke Nickel and Judd Anderson will remain, with blue-chip signee Dereon Coleman on deck, but that group still lacks experience. Leavitt holds at least two seasons of eligibility, possibly more with a medical waiver, and that window lines up with the bridge from Beck to the next homegrown starter.

So yes, Miami should call.

Handled correctly, Leavitt gives Miami a stronger floor and a scary ceiling: a proven dual-threat quarterback with playoff experience and NFL buzz under center for the first seasons of the new, expanded ACC and 12-team playoff. It keeps Miami squarely in the national title conversation. Passing on that without at least exploring his interest would feel like missing an opportunity.

Miami should pursue Sam Leavitt. Make the call, gather the medicals, spell out competition and NIL structure, protect the current room and let the situation play out. If he buys into that vision, Cristobal lands another veteran star at the game’s most important position. If not, Miami still holds a talented quarterback pipeline and avoids a short-term splash that could undercut the long-term plan.