👋 GOOD MORNING - Happy Wednesday. Can we have one of these with only good news, for once?

I guess sports bliss just isn’t in the cards (or the Sun Devils, or the D-backs, or…)

We can’t hide from this one. Don’t shoot the messenger…

— Alex D’Agostino, PHNX Sports Daily Editor

Well, as impressive as it’s been to watch coach Kenny Dillingham and backup QB Jeff Sims lead the Arizona State Sun Devils to some unexpected wins in this strange 2025 season, eyes were always set on the return of starting QB Sam Leavitt.

But, according to a recent report from On3’s Steve Wilfong and Pete Nakos, Leavitt is “doubtful” to return to ASU in the 2026 season, and intends to enter the transfer portal in search of an opportunity elsewhere.

Ouch.

Of course, that report was immediately met with some backlash from Leavitt’s brother, Dallin, who said on his Instagram story that Leavitt has not yet made a decision. That report was confirmed by PHNX Sun Devils’ own Anthony Totri.

Dallin did not, however, state that the report was completely untrue. A heartbreaking decision could still be in the works.

Leavitt played the first seven weeks of the 2025 season before going down with a foot injury that required season-ending surgery. In those seven games, he threw for 1,628 yards, 10 touchdowns and three interceptions, while rushing for 300 additional yards and five scores.

For his season-and-a-half ASU career, he’s contributed 5,256 total yards and 44 total touchdowns against just nine interceptions.

Leavitt figured to be in NFL draft conversations after this season as well. That reality is much more unlikely after his injury. There’s no denying how valuable the red shirt sophomore has been to Dillingham and co., with a Big 12 Conference Championship and a College Football Playoff berth in just his first season with the Devils.

But this is the unfortunate reality of NCAA athletics in 2025. Leavitt may very well not depart the program, but there’s no way to be absolutely certain of that until the decision is final.

My Take: Leavitt is a very talented QB, and a key part of Dillingham’s culture alongside WR Jordyn Tyson (who is also sidelined with an injury currently). Losing Leavitt would be a blow to ASU’s program, but they’ve displayed enough of an ability to get the job done without him that it should inspire confidence in Dillingham to win games regardless of who’s throwing the football.

Jeff Sims, who’s generally been thought of as a low-tier backup, has won back-to-back starts for the Sun Devils, and even set a school record with a 228-yard rushing day against Iowa State. He’s clearly been able to get it done for his coaches.

But I think I’d ultimately lean towards Leavitt staying with ASU despite the reports.

This is not to say they are unfounded or fabricated, but a lot can change as this process continues. Arizona State will have a chance to counter-punch, and if Leavitt is truly undecided, a return is well within Dillingham’s ability to orchestrate.

That said, the transfer portal era has taught many a fan a painful lesson: no matter what a player or coach says, sometimes money matters most. Regardless of how high-character Leavitt may be, that is not a factor that can be ignored in this NCAA climate.

On the bright side, it’s not all bad. Arizona State football was ranked No. 25 by the College Football Playoff Selection Committee this week. A path to the playoff is not impossible.

Oh, and, for your own good, don’t check who the leading (betting odds) candidate is to be the next head coach of LSU…

Dis-Qualified: In an expected outcome, long-time D-backs ace Zac Gallen has declined his Qualifying Offer. He will officially test the free agent market. If he signs for more than $50 million with another team, Arizona will receive (essentially) a first-round Draft pick as compensation.

The Diamondbacks also made some roster moves in order to protect some of their prospects from being taken in the upcoming Rule 5 Draft.

Left-handers Mitch Bratt and Kohl Drake (both top-10 prospect returns from the Merrill Kelly trade), as well as righty Dylan Ray and infielder Jose Fernandez (not that one) were added to the D-backs’ 40-man roster. Left-hander Tommy Henry has been designated for assignment, and Arizona’s 40-man is now full.

Subtraction by Subtraction: Running back Emari Demercado suffered a high ankle sprain on Sunday, and will likely miss Arizona’s matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars this coming week. A brutally banged-up running back room takes another hit.

The Cardinals also made some minor roster moves, releasing three players: Punter Pat O’Donnell, LB Jared Bartlett and DL Anthony Goodlow. With O’Donnell’s release, the return of starting punter Blake Gillikin could be imminent. Super Bowl inbound!

The Gauntlet Continues: Arizona men’s basketball’s schedule isn’t getting any easier. They’ll face the ever-intimidating No. 3-ranked UConn Huskies on the road at 5:00 p.m. tonight. The Wildcats are 4-0 with two tough-fought wins over ranked opponents — Florida and UCLA.

Trail-Blazed: The Suns rebounded from a tough loss with a 127-110 win over the Portland Trailblazers last night. It was a group effort — no player reached 20 points. Devin Booker and Collin Gillespie led the scoring with 19 apiece.

If you haven’t already, check out Derek Montilla’s interview with D-backs’ No. 1 prospect Ryan Waldschmidt: