After initially being listed as probable for No. 21 Arizona State’s matchup with Utah on Saturday, starting quarterback Sam Leavitt has been downgraded to doubtful and is ruled out for the game, per Pete Thamel.
Jeff Sims is expected to get the start at quarterback, as ASU comes off a win over No. 24 TCU last weekend.
Leavitt suffered a lower-body injury in the team’s 27-24 victory over the Baylor Bears on Sept. 20.
“He’s played through it and pushed to play, but the staff made a decision to hold him out for the team’s long-term interest,” Thamel said via X.
The Sun Devils enter the Big 12 showdown at 4-1, while the Utes also come in at 4-1, following a dominant win over West Virginia.
Saturday’s matchup carries early-season implications in the conference title race, with both teams looking to keep pace in a crowded Big 12 standings.
Kick off will take place at 10:15 p.m. ET in Utah on ESPN.
