A dramatic 26-22 upset win over the No. 7-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders on October 18, 2025, by the Arizona State Sun Devils, was one of the most thrilling games of the college football weekend. The big man of the night was ASU quarterback Sam Leavitt. He was calm and composed, and his leadership ability helped the Sun Devils overcome a late-game deficit into a night to remember.
Sam Leavitt delivered his highest performance of the season, making several critical throws in pressure situations, and ended up with 319 passing yards and a TD. It turned out to be his talent to stay composed amidst the aggressive defense of Texas Tech.
With under two minutes left, Sam Leavitt calculated a perfect last drive, making 5-of-7 on 61-yard, and making a go-ahead 33-yard completion on 4th-and-2 to keep ASU alive. His accuracy in passing a few seconds later pre-empted the winning goal of the game with 34 seconds remaining on the clock.
In addition to the figures, Sam Leavitt made a difference with his leadership. ASU head coach described his quarterback as a difference-maker and gave him credit in his ability to remain calm during critical situations and his capacity to read the defense. The win not only raised the record of Arizona State. But also sent a great message that the Sun Devils can actually compete with any of the best teams in the country.
To Texas Tech, the defeat was a heartbreaking one, having led most of the second half by a narrow margin. The Red Raiders were unable to hold on to the late-game heroics of Leavitt despite a good performance of their offense.
Sam Leavitt will be remembered as having played one of the most memorable performances in the Arizona State 2025 season, a night in which a young quarterback demonstrated that he can shine the brightest when it counts the most.