Jordan Hamm
Arizona State was expecting a tough test going to Rice-Eccles Stadium to take on Utah this weekend. From 2019-2023, the Utes were 28-2 at home. They have one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in Devon Dampier they’ve ever had and the Ute offensive line is one of the best in the country.
Now, they’ll be without starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was downgraded to doubtful on ASU’s Thursday night injury report. Friday, the team confirmed Leavitt is out.
Now, Jeff Sims is stepping into that starter role.
Sims had a winding road to Tempe ahead of the 2024 season. He started as a freshman at Georgia Tech and was revered as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in two years with the Yellow Jackets. He was one of the the most coveted quarterbacks in the transfer markets, where he opted for Nebraska, but struggled. He totaled two total touchdowns and six interceptions in five games in 2023.
He came to Tempe in 2024 and went punch-for-punch in a quarterback competition with Leavitt to open fall camp. Leavitt eventually took control of the QB battle and hasn’t looked back.
Leavitt left the game briefly against Utah in 2024, where Sims finished a drive with a rushing touchdown. The next week, Sims got the start against Cincinnati and threw for 155 yards, rushed for an additional 53. He didn’t score any touchdowns and did not turn the ball over.
To some’s surprise, Sims returned to Arizona State for his final year of college eligibility with Leavitt firmly in the starter role. He credited the coaching he receives from Kenny Dillingham and Marcus Arroyo as a reason to stay. He’ll now need to take that coaching and step in in one of the toughest environments the Devils will play in this year.
One thing going for Arizona State is Sims has appeared in 36 career games. While not confirmed, I can’t imagine there are many other back-up quarterbacks in college football that have more experience than Sims.
Utah provides one of the toughest environments in college football, and Sims’ experience in the ACC & Big Ten can help him in that regard.
He earned a win in his first career start as a true freshman on the road against Florida State in 2020.
One of his best passing performances of his career came in 2021 at Duke, where he threw for 297 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed for 55 yards and a touchdown.
In 2022, Sims and Georgia Tech beat No. 24 Pitt on the road. He threw for just 102 yards, but threw and rushed for a touchdown and did not turn the ball over.
My 3 best QB rooms heading into 2025:
– ASU: Sam Leavitt & Jeff Sims
– SMU: Kevin Jennings & Tyler Van DykeBut the top spot? Might surprise you. 🤔⬇️ pic.twitter.com/x0SZxL6oiH
— Adam Breneman (@AdamBreneman81) July 10, 2025
The turnover battle was going to play a massive role in this game already. With rainy conditions and Sims stepping in, it is that much more important to protect the football and for the defense to create some short fields for the offense. Rainy conditions fumbles are a priority, and Sims had 15 fumbles in the first two years of his career at Georgia Tech.
In his college career, he’s thrown 31 passing touchdowns and 29 interceptions. When Sims first came to Tempe, Kenny Dillingham said he wanted to “calm down the 15%.”
“When you play a game, you’re like holy-cow, freak-show for 85% of the plays,” Dillingham said. “In these 15% of ht plays, you loose your freaking mind.”
From 2024 fall camp: https://t.co/w0tMf2iCIZ
— Jordan Hamm (@JordyHamm) October 10, 2025
Sims can certainly contribute in the ground game and pair well with Raleek Brown, Kanye Udoh and Kyson Brown (listed as questionable on Thursday’s injury report).
He’s found the end zone via the ground game 13 times in his career and is a threat to pick up big chunks of yards if there is space in front of him.
Sims didn’t chase playing time or NIL in the portal last year and wanted to stay in Tempe for the coaching he receives and to take advantage if an opportunity came knocking.
Knock, knock.
We’ll see how he answers on Saturday night.
