Arizona State star outranks former five-stars as best returning QB

On3’s blurb on Arizona State’s man-under-center said:

“Few went from off the radar to firmly in the national spotlight the way that Leavitt did with Arizona State in 2024. The Michigan State transfer instantly took charge of the offense and helped lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff.”

Leavitt was placed ahead of four other quarterbacks featured in the College Football Playoffs.

Penn State junior Drew Allar was the list’s runner-up. The most popular name amongst the group, Texas redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning, is expected to finally takeover the Longhorns’ offense, earning the No. 4 spot. Redshirt senior Carson Beck — who transferred from CFP semifinalist Georgia to Miami for his last season of eligibility this offseason — and Clemson junior Cade Klubnik are the most experienced of the group coming in at No. 7 and 8.

Leavitt is not only rated higher than his fellow playoff QBs, but also by his classmates who were ranked ahead of him in high school.

The redshirt freshman was considered a four-star quarterback in the Class of 2023. He was the No. 24 overall quarterback in the country. Manning was the No. 1 quarterback in the country, sitting two spots ahead of Tennessee redshirt freshman Nico Iamaleava, who rounded it out On3’s list. South Carolina redshirt freshman LaNorris Sellers was 19th in their class and finds himself as the 5th best returner next year.

The Sun Devil quarterback 216-350 passes (61.7%) for 2,885 yards, throwing 24 touchdowns and only six interceptions. He rushed for an additional 443 yards and five touchdowns — the second most for Arizona State behind All-American running back Cam Skattebo.