As the 2025 college football season approaches, attention is already turning to players poised to break out on the national stage. Among the usual suspects are returning stars and high-profile transfers, but according to Pro Football Focus (PFF), one name that fans and analysts alike should keep a close eye on is Michigan State quarterback Sam Leavitt.
Leavitt, a sophomore with a strong arm, athletic mobility, and a high football IQ, has been generating buzz throughout the offseason. What started as whispers in East Lansing has now made its way to national outlets, with PFF highlighting Leavitt as a “Heisman Contender to Know” — a dark horse who could take the college football world by storm.
From Four-Star Recruit to Spartan Leader
Leavitt arrived at Michigan State as a four-star recruit in the class of 2023. Hailing from West Linn, Oregon, he was known for his dual-threat capabilities and poise in the pocket. Despite limited playing time in his freshman season, his flashes of brilliance were enough to make fans excited about the future.
In the final three games of the 2024 season, Leavitt was thrust into the starting role after an injury to the incumbent starter. What followed was a rapid rise in performance, culminating in a standout performance against Penn State where he threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns while adding another score on the ground. That single game showed his potential: poised under pressure, accurate on deep balls, and dynamic in extending plays with his legs.
PFF’s Endorsement
Pro Football Focus’s endorsement of Leavitt as a Heisman contender is based on a combination of film analysis, underlying metrics, and projection. According to PFF’s breakdown, Leavitt had one of the highest big-time throw rates among underclassmen quarterbacks who played meaningful snaps last season. His adjusted completion percentage under pressure also ranked in the top 10 nationally, showcasing his ability to deliver in tough situations.
“Leavitt’s efficiency, arm strength, and poise on the move make him a quarterback with rare traits,” wrote a PFF analyst. “If Michigan State can give him time to throw and develop a consistent run game to complement his style, Leavitt has the talent to put up the kind of numbers that get noticed by Heisman voters.”
System Fit and Offensive Potential
One of the key reasons for the optimism surrounding Leavitt is his fit in Michigan State’s new-look offense under offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren. Lindgren, known for his quarterback-friendly systems at Colorado and Oregon State, brings a modern, fast-paced attack designed to take advantage of mismatches and maximize quarterback efficiency.
Reports out of spring camp indicate that Leavitt has taken command of the offense and is showing impressive leadership for such a young player. His connection with wide receiver Tyrell Henry and tight end Jack Nickel could form one of the more underrated passing attacks in the Big Ten.
“Sam has that ‘it’ factor,” Lindgren said in a recent press conference. “He’s smart, competitive, and he’s got a short memory — the kind of traits you love in a quarterback. He’s got all the tools and now it’s about putting it all together.”
The Path to New York
For Leavitt to make a legitimate run at the Heisman Trophy, Michigan State will need to perform well as a team. While the Spartans are not considered front-runners in the Big Ten, a favorable early schedule gives Leavitt the opportunity to build momentum before tougher matchups later in the season.
Early games against non-conference opponents will give him the chance to pad stats and gain national attention, especially if he can deliver highlight-reel moments and clean performances. A breakout game against a high-profile opponent — such as a mid-season clash with Michigan or Ohio State — could be the tipping point.
The Heisman Trophy, often awarded to the best player on one of the nation’s top teams, has become increasingly friendly to quarterbacks who can put up monster stats and carry their programs. Think Lamar Jackson at Louisville or Robert Griffin III at Baylor — players who weren’t on traditional powerhouses but forced the nation to take notice.
If Leavitt can follow a similar trajectory, he could very well make his way into the conversation.
What’s Next?
Leavitt will need to prove that his late-season surge in 2024 wasn’t a fluke, and that he can lead a young Michigan State team through the trials of a competitive Big Ten schedule. His decision-making, consistency, and ability to stay healthy will be key.
But if PFF’s analysis proves correct, and if Leavitt continues to trend upward, then the sophomore from Oregon may find himself in New York come December, seated among college football’s elite.
He’s not the biggest name. He’s not the flashiest. But Sam Leavitt is, as PFF put it, a “Heisman contender to know” — and it might not be long before the whole country knows his name.
