Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt gained recognition across the college football world after playing a pivotal role in his team’s first College Football Playoff appearance in program history.

His competitive spirit in the locker room was impactful enough that Sun Devils wide receivers coach Hines Ward compared Leavitt to Ward’s former Steelers quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger.

“Sam has that look in his eyes like we will not be stopped,” Ward told reporters on Thursday . “We’re gonna score. He wants to score each and every time he touches a football. And he had that same look that Ben Roethlisberger had.

“A nytime I look at Ben in his eyes I just knew we were gonna win a game because he had that look. He was not gonna be denied of us winning. So I see a little bit of Ben in Sam in that aspect of it, j ust watching him and his approach because he’s very competitive.”

Ward has seen Leavitt take a more commanding role during this offseason.

“ This year, he’s taking it to another level, being more of a vocal leader,” Ward said.

“U nderstanding that this is his team, and he wants to lead by example. He’s the first guy out there … a nd if you mess up or you run a wrong route, he will get on you. That’s what you want. You want that commanding enforcement from your quarterback, understanding that this is a level that I expect everybody to be on.”

The rising sophomore threw for 2,885 yards, resulting in 24 touchdowns and six interceptions in his first season with head coach Kenny Dillingham.

Leavitt also showcased his ability to extend plays, rushing for 443 yards and five touchdowns on 110 carries.

All six of Leavitt’s turnovers last season came by interception, and Ward would like to see Leavitt know when to give up on a play.

“ Sometimes I think it’s so competitive that it’s too good for him to give up on a play,” Ward said. He wants to make every play, instead of throwing it out of bounds. He wants to try to figure out ‘how can I make something happen?’

“And sometimes it’s easy to just throw it away, let’s move on to the next play. So Ben had that same struggle, he just wanted every play, he wanted to make sure he can try to do all that he can to make the play.”

Leavitt was tied for second in the FBS with only three turnover-worthy throws, according to PFF, and his 1% turnover-worthy throw rate ranked second (minimum 200 dropbacks).

Put it all together and Leavitt was named the best college quarterback entering 2025, according to On3’s ranking of the top 25 signal callers in January .

Ward knows Leavitt thrives in pressure situations, as evident from how the sophomore quarterback handled the spotlight last season.

“But he has that killer look in him,” Ward said. “We will not fail with Sam being in that huddle and that’s what I love about him . Y ou can tell a lot about guys … Sam has that same look (as Roethlisberger). … Don’t worry, I got you, we’re gonna win this game.

“That’s what I love about Sam … ’cause I know in crunch time, they both want the ball. (Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson) want to be in that position to make plays. And they embrace that, and you want that out of that position.”