Arizona State Locker Room Rallying Behind Jeff Sims

The senior has backing from the entire team after leading them to victory over Iowa State.

Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) runs with the ball as Iowa State Cyclones' linebacker Will McLaughlin (23) rushes to tackle during the first quarter in the Big-12 showdown at jack Trice Stadium on Nov. 1, 2025, in Ames, Iowa. | Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

TEMPE -- The Arizona State football season has found new life in the 2025 season - largely due to the efforts of senior QB Jeff Sims in last Saturday's 24-19 win over Iowa State.

Sims had been pushed into the starting role for the remainder of the season after star Sam Leavitt was definitively ruled out by head coach Kenny Dillingham late in the week - his first two starts with the program did not go according to plan, as the Sun Devils lost those games by an average of 21 points.

The former Nebraska standout flipped the script on Saturday, as he posted a program-best for the position with 228 rushing yards - he also accounted for all three touchdowns in a game that every single scoring play truly mattered.

Dillingham echoed the notion that the entire team believes in Sims despite outside noise in his weekly press conference on Monday.

• "Yeah, I think everybody knew Jeff can get one leading up to it. I don't think there was ever a doubt from our team there, but I think that was that was only a second game with full prep based hard force, and our team got a lot of confidence, and Jeff, Jeff has won a lot of football games at college football."

Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

• "So I think that was, you know, our guys were fired up with how good he played, you know, and how much passion he played with, and his demeanor being calm the entire game to the good and the bad."

Challenges for Sims Over Rest of Season

• Sims will likely have to navigate the first game out of the bye week without superstar receiver Jordyn Tyson - who Dillingham said is more likely to return for the Colorado game on November 22. This is obviously an obstacle, but pass catchers such as TE Chamon Metayer and WR Malik McClain have stepped up in incredible ways as of late.

Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils tight end Chamon Metayer (7) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

• West Virginia, Colorado, and Arizona have all had moments of porous results on the defensive side of the ball, but none of them can be overlooked. All three will potentially be playing for bowl eligibility and will be prepared for Sims and the ASU offense.

What Went Right For Sims Last Week

The offensive coaching staff drew up a gameplan that was better tailored to Sims' skillset - and it paid dividends. Sims enjoyed incredible success in both the option and power run games, while also consistently appearing in-control as a passer. The senior was in sync with Metayer, Jalen Moss, and McClain - connecting with all three in key moments.

ASU Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) warms up before the game against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and three major takeaways following a gutsy win over Iowa State here

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