Arizona State football fans are bracing for a dramatic shift as Jeff Sims, the Sun Devils’ veteran backup quarterback, prepares to take the reins against Utah this weekend. With starter Sam Leavitt sidelined by a lingering injury, Sims’ winding college journey and resilience are finally getting a chance to shine on the big stage.
A Winding Road to Tempe
Jeff Sims’ story is anything but ordinary. He first made waves at Georgia Tech, starting all 10 games as a true freshman in 2020 and quickly earning a reputation for his athleticism and dual-threat capabilities. Sims threw for 1,881 yards and 13 touchdowns that season, adding 492 rushing yards and six scores on the ground. Despite flashes of brilliance, his time at Georgia Tech was marred by injuries and inconsistency, leading to a transfer to Nebraska in 2023.
At Nebraska, Sims struggled to find his footing, totaling just two touchdowns and six interceptions in five games. The move to Arizona State in 2024 was seen as a fresh start, but he narrowly lost the starting quarterback battle to Sam Leavitt in fall camp.
The Opportunity Arrives
Leavitt’s injury—reaggravated in a win over Baylor—has forced Arizona State to turn to Sims for their crucial matchup against Utah. Head coach Kenny Dillingham described Leavitt’s absence as a “mini miracle” scenario, making Sims the clear choice for Saturday’s start.
Sims brings
plenty of experience to the table, having started 26 games across three programs. Last season, he stepped in for Leavitt against Cincinnati, throwing for 155 yards and rushing for 53, though the Sun Devils fell short in a 24-14 loss. This week, Sims is expected to face one of the toughest environments in college football at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where Utah boasts a formidable home record.
What Coaches and Teammates Say
Arizona State’s offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo praised Sims’ work ethic and attitude, noting how he’s consistently shown up and prepared, even as a backup. “He’s a guy who’s been in college football for a long time now and still shows up every day with a good attitude, prepares well… makes the team and the group a better place to be,” Arroyo said.
Expert Predictions and Fan Expectations
With Utah’s strong defense and rainy weather forecasted, experts are split on whether Sims can lead the Sun Devils to victory. His history of turnovers is a concern, but his athleticism and experience could be assets in a high-pressure situation.
Arizona State fans are hoping Sims can channel his early-career promise and finish his college journey on a high note. The stakes are high—not just for the team’s season, but for Sims’ legacy as a college quarterback who’s battled adversity at every turn.
What’s Next for Jeff Sims?
If Sims performs well, he could reshape his narrative and potentially attract attention from NFL scouts, who have long admired his physical tools and upside. For now, all eyes are on Salt Lake City, where Sims will try to seize his moment and prove he’s more than just a backup.
Takeaway: Jeff Sims’ journey is a testament to perseverance in college football. Saturday’s game against Utah could be the defining chapter in his career—and a turning point for Arizona State’s season.
Sources
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2. Coach Matt Rhule Press Conference Quotes - Huskers.com
3. Who is Jeff Sims, Arizona State's starting quarterback vs. ...
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8. [PDF] Transnational Organized Crime and the Convergence of Cyber ...
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11. Expert predictions for backup Jeff Sims' season debut in No ...
12. Intelligence Artificielle (IA) I To be or not to be - CSB.SCHOOL
13. [PDF] PART 115 CONSTRUCTION PERMIT APPLICATION
