Being picked last in the Big 12 has been a driving force for the Arizona State football team throughout the season. Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt, in particular, has an extra incentive this week. The Sun Devils (8-2, 5-2) are set to host Brigham Young (9-2, 6-1) at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Mountain America Stadium. A win could put them in a prime position for a conference championship game berth. It's a position neither team was expected to be in just four months ago, yet both are now nationally ranked and in the title hunt.

Family Connections and Motivations

Leavitt wasn't recruited by BYU out of high school. This might not seem significant, but it holds more weight as his father, Jared, played for BYU from 1990 to 1991, and his brother Dallin, a safety who played with three different NFL teams, was in Provo from 2013 to 2014. When his brother played, little Sam was 9 and 10 years old. Sam said he communicates with his brother, who he considers his mentor, almost daily.“He said, 'Every team that didn't offer me bothered me growing up, but Arizona State didn't offer me either.' But at BYU, there's an added factor because of our family's history. It definitely gives me more motivation," Leavitt said after Tuesday's practice.Leavitt, 19, began his college career at Michigan State, where he played sparingly in 2023 as a true freshman. After a coaching change in Lansing, he entered the transfer portal. He did visit BYU but ultimately chose Tempe. He has formed a strong bond not only with head coach Kenny Dillingham but also with sophomore wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.Leavitt has been a key contributor to ASU's success. He has completed 61.25% (147 for-240) of his passes for 1,906 yards, with 17 touchdown tosses and only four interceptions. In Saturday's 24-14 upset of No. 16 Kansas State, he threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns. He was named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week for this performance, which is his third such honor this season.Although BYU was a childhood favorite due to his family's roots, Leavitt remains focused on the upcoming game. He understands the significance but chooses to concentrate on the task at hand. This is something the Sun Devils have done well in this resurgent season.“It's the same as every other week. It doesn't change based on what my family has done in the past, but it's quite amusing to watch them grow up and now be playing against them," he said.Leavitt also mentioned that the BYU matchup wasn't one he had initially marked on his calendar. His pre-season focus was on Oklahoma State, Mississippi State, and Kansas State. Oklahoma State is important because of its history and success in the conference, and Mississippi State is an SEC school.Last week's game in Manhattan, Kansas, was significant as the opposing team is quarterbacked by Avery Johnson, who came from the same recruiting cycle and was more highly sought after.“That was preseason thought. Now, after seeing their success, this is another important game," Leavitt said.The school has already announced that the game is a sellout. It's Homecoming and Senior Day, so there will be a lot of emotion. Leavitt is excited to be a part of what Dillingham is building.“I'm excited to get this stadium jumping. It's one of the biggest games in recent history. Just being a part of that and something special for ASU and being the catalyst for it is amazing," he said.