Arizona State Football Secures New Starting Quarterback

Kenny Dillingham, the head coach of the Arizona State football team, has likely found his starting quarterback for the 2026 season. The position has been a source of uncertainty over the past few months, as Sam Leavitt underwent foot surgery and announced his intention to transfer, leaving him absent from team activities after the November 28 loss to Arizona.

Jeff Sims, who was previously the starting quarterback, is now out of eligibility, and the young recruits Jake Fette and Cameron Dyer are still inexperienced at the collegiate level. In this situation, Cutter Boley has emerged as a potential solution.

Boley, a soon-to-be junior, made a late announcement regarding his decision to enter the transfer portal. He officially entered the portal on Friday when it opened and took his first visit with Arizona State. This move has already set the stage for a new chapter in his college football career.

A New Era for Arizona State Football

John Brice of Footballscoop.com reported on Saturday that Boley officially committed to Arizona State during his visit, a claim later confirmed by Arizona State insider Chris Karpman. Boley, 20, is a product of Lexington Christian Academy and was a highly recruited player in the 2024 class. He redshirted in 2024 before taking over as the starting quarterback early in the 2025 season.

During his time with Kentucky, Boley showed flashes of brilliance, including a five-touchdown performance against Tennessee and a strong showing against Georgia. However, he still has room for growth, particularly in reading progressions and making quick decisions under pressure. This was evident in his final two games with Kentucky, where he threw four interceptions.

Despite these challenges, Boley’s arm talent is impressive, as he has made several difficult throws against what is considered a tough SEC defense. His skills could benefit from stronger support from Arizona State’s skill position players, and Dillingham has a proven track record of developing quarterbacks.

Boley Has a Strong Chance to Win the Starting Job

There is little doubt that Boley will be given every opportunity to win the starting job this spring and fall. Dillingham is known for fostering honest competition, so it would be surprising if Boley were named the starter immediately. However, he is expected to have an advantage over both Fette and Dyer as they enter training camp.

While there is still potential for Arizona State to add another player at the quarterback position in the coming weeks, it remains uncertain. For now, Boley appears to be the front-runner for the starting role.

Looking Ahead for Arizona State Football

With the addition of Boley, Arizona State football is poised for a promising future. The program has shown resilience despite recent setbacks, and the coaching staff continues to make strategic moves to strengthen the team. As the 2026 season approaches, fans and analysts alike are watching closely to see how Boley will perform and whether he can lead the Sun Devils to success.