A familiar name to Georgia Tech fans is back in the starting spotlight—this time out west. Former Yellow Jackets quarterback Jeff Sims has been handed the reins at Arizona State for the remainder of the season. Setting up a major opportunity as the Sun Devils push to stay alive in the Big 12 race.
The news comes after ASU head coach Kenny Dillingham announced that starter Sam Leavitt will miss the rest of the year due to a lingering injury that now requires surgery. Leavitt attempted to play through the issue, missing the loss to Utah earlier this month and later leaving the Houston game on October 25 before the final drive. Arizona State fell 24–16 in that matchup.
BREAKING: Arizona State star QB Sam Leavitt will miss the remainder of the season due to injury, via @Bickley_Marotta🙏
— On3 (@On3sports) October 31, 2025
Kenny Dillingham announced Leavitt will have season-ending surgery to take care of a lingering issue. https://t.co/pWnEYTFN0s pic.twitter.com/rZKZvMOnX4
Dillingham, speaking on the Bickley and Marotta Show, called the situation heartbreaking for Leavitt, describing him as a fierce competitor who “loves this place” and never wanted his season to end this way.
The Stage
That turn of events puts Sims, a sixth-year senior who has previously suited up for Georgia Tech and Nebraska, and back in a starting role. Since transferring to ASU last season, he has primarily served as a backup, but now steps in with four games left and everything still on the line.
Arizona State sits at 5–3 overall and 3–2 in Big 12 play, leaving the Sun Devils firmly in the conference mix but with little margin for error. Up next is a pivotal road test at Iowa State. The Cyclones hold the same overall record at 5–3 but are one game behind ASU in the league standings at 2–3.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Jack Trice Stadium. Where Sims will look to make the most of his moment and Georgia Tech fans will no doubt keep an eye on one of their former signal-callers as he steps into a pressure-packed opportunity.