Jeff Sims Sees Dip in Perception After Colorado Win

The Sun Devils quarterback has proven to be a serviceable option during his time as a starter - but outside perception is still mixed.

Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) prepares to pass the ball in the first quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- Jeff Sims is now 3-2 in his career as a starting quarterback with the Arizona State football program - he has won three consecutive contests following two losses to begin his time in Tempe.

The third win of the streak last Saturday against Colorado was very likely his most uneven showing in recent weeks - and that has negatively impacted his perception from the outside world.

David Cobb of CBS Sports dropped Sims from 19 overall in his weekly quarterback power rankings to 31 - a significant drop from being viewed as one of the better players at the position last week.

Sims currently paces below Arizona's Noah Fifita, Utah's Devon Dampier, BYU's Bear Bachmeier, and Texas Tech's Behren Morton.

Why Sims Should be Higher

Although the senior had his worst performance in recent weeks against Colorado, he made timely plays that also doubled as explosives, bounced back from mistakes, and ultimately continued to prove that he has drastically improved over the course of the last year.

Few quarterbacks are playing with as much poise and confidence as Sims - that should be positively reinforced by those in observance.

Sims Embracing Playing in Final Home Game

Clouds form as the Arizona State Sun Devils take on the West Virginia Mountaineers at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Nov. 15, 2025. | Diannie Chavez/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This Friday will be the last time that many Arizona State key contributors - Sims included - will be playing in front of fans at Mountain America Stadium.

Sims embraced the notion of showing up for the fans - especially in a rivalry game - in his media availability following Tuesday's practice.

It seems as if everyone connected to Arizona State football recognizes the magnitude of this game beyond contending for a Big 12 title - this is the moment that the program can firmly establish themselves as not only the strongest in the state - but also among the strongest in the Big 12, all while having an oppoerunity to retain control of the Territorial Cup.

Outlook For Sims vs. Arizona

Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) hands off to running back Raleek Brown (3) against the Colorado Buffaloes in the second quarter at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Arizona has an exceptional secondary that is headlined by five players that opted to stick with the program following a rough 2024 season - they will be motivated to secure a victory after limiting three consecutive elite quarterbacks in the conference to season-worst performances.

Sims will likely need to do what he has typically done - keep the ball out of harm's way in the air, be a consistent rushing threat in various mediums, and to lean on the bevy of playmakers that have emerged in recent weeks.

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on major takeaways from the Sun Devils’ convincing win over Colorado in week 13 here.

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