Sam Leavitt’s parents are Jared Leavitt and Tania Leavitt, two former competitive athletes who helped shape the quarterback’s approach to football. Raised in West Linn, Oregon, Sam grew up in a household where physical fitness, determination and competition were part of everyday life.
His father played college football at Brigham Young University (BYU), while his mother developed an athletic background through triathlons and fitness training.
Sam is also the younger brother of Dallin Leavitt, a former NFL safety who played for several professional teams.
Their family’s sporting history offers insight into the competitive mentality that helped Sam develop into a prominent college football quarterback.
Who Is Jared Leavitt?
Jared Leavitt is Sam Leavitt’s father and a former BYU college football player.
He played for the Cougars during the 1990 and 1991 seasons, contributing as an outside linebacker and defensive back.
His playing background emphasised defensive awareness, tackling and physical conditioning.
During his time at BYU, Jared earned recognition for his fitness and toughness, reportedly receiving praise as one of the programme’s most courageous and well-conditioned athletes.
Those experiences influenced how he approached sports within his own family.
Rather than focusing exclusively on scoring or individual recognition, Jared encouraged his children to value effort, physical preparation and resilience.
Who Is Tania Leavitt?
Tania Leavitt is Sam’s mother, a competitive triathlete and former Nike fitness trainer.
Her athletic interests included endurance events requiring strength, stamina and mental discipline.
Triathlons combine swimming, cycling and running, demanding considerable preparation across multiple disciplines.
Tania’s commitment to fitness provided another sporting influence during Sam’s childhood.
She also participated in demanding outdoor activities, including challenging hikes.
Beyond athletics, Tania has been an important source of encouragement throughout her son’s football career.
Her support has attracted attention during periods when Sam faced significant decisions about his college future.
Growing Up in Oregon
Sam Leavitt grew up in West Linn, Oregon, as the youngest of four children.
With three older siblings, he learned early that competition was not limited to organised sports.
Family games, physical activities and everyday challenges regularly became opportunities to compete.
His older siblings reportedly refused to give him easy victories simply because he was the youngest.
That environment encouraged Sam to become more persistent and determined.
His parents also understood the importance of athletic preparation because of their own sporting experiences.
The combination of sibling rivalry and parental guidance helped establish the mindset he later carried onto the football field.
His Brother Dallin
Sam’s older brother, Dallin Leavitt, played professional football as an NFL safety.
Dallin competed at BYU and Utah State before reaching the National Football League.
His professional career included time with the Raiders, Green Bay Packers and Denver Broncos.
Playing safety required defensive awareness, tackling ability and the capacity to react quickly to opposing offences.
For Sam, having an older brother with NFL experience offered a direct example of the commitment required to compete at a high level.
Dallin’s career also strengthened the family’s connection to professional football.
Their different positions highlight the range of football experience within the Leavitt household.
A Competitive Childhood
Competition was a defining feature of Sam Leavitt’s upbringing.
His parents have described an environment where their children regularly challenged one another.
Sam’s position as the youngest sibling meant he often competed against older and more physically developed family members.
Those experiences helped him become comfortable with pressure and setbacks.
Jared’s defensive football background encouraged toughness, while Tania’s endurance training demonstrated the value of consistency.
Together, those influences created an atmosphere in which athletic performance was connected to preparation rather than natural ability alone.
Sam’s competitive attitude became especially noticeable as his football skills developed.
His High School Career
Sam Leavitt developed into a highly regarded quarterback at West Linn High School in Oregon.
He gained attention for his passing ability, mobility and command of the offence.
His performances helped establish him as a promising college football prospect.
West Linn’s competitive football environment provided opportunities to develop his decision-making and leadership skills.
As his reputation grew, college programmes began evaluating him as a potential quarterback recruit.
His family remained closely connected to his development throughout the recruiting process.
The transition from high school to major college football eventually took him away from Oregon.
College Football Journey
Sam Leavitt began his college football career at Michigan State before transferring to Arizona State.
His move to Arizona State created an opportunity for a more prominent role at quarterback.
He subsequently became a central figure in the Sun Devils’ offence.
During the 2024 season, Leavitt helped Arizona State achieve significant success, including a Big 12 championship and an appearance in the College Football Playoff.
His performances drew national attention and strengthened his reputation as a talented quarterback.
His college career later became associated with another major transition, with reports identifying him as an LSU quarterback in 2026.
Such moves bring considerable pressure, particularly for players expected to lead high-profile programmes.
His Parents’ Support
Jared and Tania Leavitt have remained influential figures throughout Sam’s football development.
Jared’s experience as a defensive player offers a perspective on the physical demands of the sport.
Tania’s background in endurance athletics provides a different understanding of preparation and mental strength.
Their guidance has extended beyond athletic performance to important career decisions.
College transfers can involve changes in coaching, academic arrangements and playing opportunities.
For a young quarterback, reliable family support can be valuable when navigating those decisions.
The Leavitts’ involvement reflects their longstanding connection to competitive sports.
Family Influence in 2026
As of October 2026, Sam Leavitt’s family remains an important part of the story behind his football career.
His father’s BYU background, his mother’s endurance-athletics experience and his brother’s NFL career created an unusual sporting environment.
Sam’s journey from West Linn to major college football has also demonstrated his ability to establish an identity separate from his family’s achievements.
Although his relatives helped shape his competitive outlook, his progress has depended on his own preparation and performances.
For readers searching for Sam Leavitt’s parents, Jared and Tania Leavitt are the former college football player and triathlete who raised him in West Linn, Oregon, alongside his three older siblings.
