Sam Leavitt considered an early Heisman Trophy favorite for 2025 season

Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt was a vital cog in Arizona State's offense this year, leading the team to its first outright conference championship since Jake Plummer was under center in 1996.

Coincidentally, ASU hasn't had a Heisman Trophy finalist since Plummer finished third in the voting that same year. Well, Leavitt could potentially end that drought in 2025.

ESPN's Mark Schlabach considers Leavitt a way-too-early contender for the 2025 Heisman, including him among 13 other players that could show out and contend for the prestigious individual honor.

247 Sports' Brad Crawford also had Leavitt on his shortlist of seven players, one of five passers he believes will be pre-season favorites.

Sam Leavitt's national attention is a symptom of ASU's magical season

Leavitt was a major talent pickup for head coach Kenny Dillingham this year. The Michigan State transfer left East Lansing due to the hiring of Jonathan Smith from Oregon State, a program he didn't receive a scholarship offer from as a local prospect.

Now after leading ASU to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance and earning Big 12 Newcomer of the Year honors, the national spotlight is on Tempe more than ever. Running back Cam Skattebo received Heisman praise late this year and now next season will have pundits watching Mountain America Stadium for Leavitt's performances.

With so much ceiling left for Leavitt in what will be his second year as a Sun Devil, it's no surprise he's included among early Heisman favorites.

Especially with weapons like wide receiver Jordyn Tyson and tight end Chamon Metayer at his disposal, there are bound to be more fireworks in Tempe in 2025. Whether 2024 was an early peak or just the beginning for the young program is yet to be seen but the eyeballs of the college football world will be watching, that's for sure.