The McShay Show: Episode Summary Release Date: June 19, 2025

Episode Title: Scouting Sam Leavitt: Why the Arizona State Quarterback Could Be a More Talented Brock Purdy

Hosts: Todd McShay and Mitch

Introduction to Sam Leavitt’s Rise (02:26 - 09:56)

In this episode, Todd McShay and Mitch delve into the impressive performance of Sam Leavitt, the quarterback from Arizona State University (ASU). Mitch opens the discussion by addressing the skepticism surrounding Leavitt’s success last season, emphasizing that it wasn’t mere luck but rather a combination of preparation meeting opportunity.

Mitch (02:26): "Luck is when opportunity meets preparation. And that's what happened for Leavitt last year."

Todd agrees, recalling their previous discussions on comparable quarterbacks and highlighting Leavitt’s significant role in leading ASU to the Big 12 Championship and the College Football Playoff (CFP).

Analyzing Leavitt’s Performance and Statistics (09:04 - 21:46)

The hosts break down Leavitt’s stats, noting his completion rate of 61.6% and impressive 24 touchdowns to six interceptions, achieving a commendable three-to-one ratio. They compare his body type and playing style to J.J. McCarthy, emphasizing Leavitt’s intermediate passing skills, play-action proficiency, and ability to make clutch plays under pressure.

Mitch (10:12): "It's not about luck. It's about preparation. And that's what he did."

McShay (09:56): "He screams winner to me. He wants to do whatever it takes to get his program where it needs to go."

The discussion also touches on Leavitt’s development throughout the season, particularly his improvement in decision-making and reduction in interceptions in the latter half.

Technical Skills and Comparisons to Other Quarterbacks (21:46 - 28:26)

Todd and Mitch examine Leavitt’s technical prowess, focusing on his accuracy, arm strength, pocket mobility, and mental makeup. They highlight his ability to execute intermediate passes and his natural athleticism, which sets him apart from peers like Brock Purdy.

Mitch (16:15): "I think he has a little bit of a stronger arm than some of those guys."

McShay (18:00): "He has a great feel for it in the pocket."

The hosts compare Leavitt to Brock Purdy, suggesting that Leavitt could potentially surpass Purdy in talent, particularly in a pro-style offense under coaches like Mike Shanahan.

Leadership and Competitiveness (28:26 - 35:33)

The conversation shifts to Leavitt’s leadership qualities and competitive nature. Despite facing challenges such as missing key players like Cam Scatterboo and Jordan Tyson, Leavitt demonstrated resilience and a strong desire to lead his team to victory. The hosts commend his ability to handle pressure and make decisive plays, even in high-stakes games against formidable opponents like Texas.

Mitch (29:14): "I freaking love this dude. I think he's got a chance to really elevate."

McShay (29:33): "He is not willing to just throw the ball away. He is going to try and extend, extend, extend."

Game Highlights and Key Moments (35:33 - 33:10)

Highlighting specific games, such as the matchup against Texas, Todd and Mitch discuss Leavitt’s performance under pressure, including his sack management and decision-making in critical moments. They praise his ability to extend plays and maintain composure, although they note areas for improvement, such as reducing unnecessary sacks and refining his pocket presence.

McShay (27:37): "He does an excellent job of throwing to the corner of the end zone."

Mitch (28:26): "It's about taking that next step this year. And now he’s got to do it without Scaboo."

Future Outlook and Potential NFL Impact (35:33 - 36:22)

In the concluding segments, Todd and Mitch express optimism about Leavitt’s future, envisioning him as a potential NFL starting quarterback with significant upside. They discuss his readiness for the next level, his fit within professional coaching systems, and the excitement surrounding his continued development.

Mitch (35:33): "I think Levitt is going to be an NFL starting quarterback and could be a pretty good one."

McShay (36:04): "I’m excited for… this is just another guy to talk about with this class."

They also tease upcoming episodes covering other top prospects, ensuring listeners stay tuned for more in-depth analysis.

Supporting the Show and Upcoming Content

The hosts encourage listeners to support the show by subscribing on YouTube and Spotify, and to consider subscribing to The McShay Report for exclusive draft content. They hint at future topics, including analyses of running backs and defensive backs, as well as interactive segments like an NFL mailbag.

Mitch (06:37): "Go to YouTube, find the McShay show, hit the subscribe button."

McShay (36:21): "There’s a lot, lot to be excited about this summer."

Notable Quotes:

• Mitch (02:26): "Luck is when opportunity meets preparation."
• McShay (09:56): "He screams winner to me."
• Mitch (16:15): "He has a little bit of a stronger arm than some of those guys."
• Mitch (35:33): "I think Levitt is going to be an NFL starting quarterback."
• McShay (36:04): "This is just another guy to talk about with this class."

Conclusion:

This episode of The McShay Show provides a comprehensive analysis of Sam Leavitt’s capabilities as a quarterback, highlighting his technical skills, leadership qualities, and potential trajectory towards the NFL. Todd McShay and Mitch offer insightful comparisons and evaluations, making it a must-listen for fans interested in the future stars of American football.