Every offseason brings a few wild ideas, but this one might be the most entertaining of all. Let’s have some fun with the dream scenario: Arkansas football landing not only one of the brightest young coaches in college football, but also one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in America. Yes, the full Kenny Dillingham and Sam Leavitt package arriving in Fayetteville. Sounds crazy? Maybe. Impossible? In today’s era of NIL, the portal, and nonstop movement, nothing is off the table. So walk with me... talk with me...
Kenny Dillingham: The Young Genius Who Might Want More
Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has publicly dismissed rumors of leaving Tempe, reiterating how happy he is at his alma mater. He resurrected the program faster than anyone expected, and ASU is where he carved out his coaching identity. But even coaches who are happy sometimes look around and wonder what else might be out there. Dillingham is too talented, too ambitious, and too competitive not to at least consider whether he’s hit his ceiling in the Big 12.
If he wants a larger stage, more exposure, and a chance to elevate his name into the elite tier, the SEC is the most direct path. Florida and LSU sit higher on the desirability list at the moment, with Auburn and Arkansas close behind, but if those top-tier jobs fill quickly, Dillingham may be staring at a different kind of opportunity, a chance to build his own legacy from the ground up, just like he did at ASU.
Why Arkansas Makes Sense for Dillingham
If Dillingham wants freedom, autonomy, and the ability to mold a program in his own image without living in the shadow of decades of tradition, Arkansas becomes a fascinating fit. The Razorbacks offer SEC-level resources, passionate fan support, fertile regional recruiting, and a blank canvas in terms of identity.
At Arkansas, Dillingham wouldn’t be expected to replicate anyone else’s blueprint. He could become the face of the program immediately and reshape its culture with his high-octane offensive philosophy. What he would need is full administrative trust and unwavering departmental support, essentially the keys to the entire football operation. If Arkansas decides it wants to modernize and swing big, Dillingham could be the ideal architect to usher in a new era.
Enter Sam Leavitt: The Star QB Who Could Follow Him
The dream scenario becomes truly electric when you add Sam Leavitt to the conversation. The Arizona State quarterback is already one of the most intriguing potential transfer portal names in the country. In 2024, as a redshirt freshman, he completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 2,885 yards, threw 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions, and added 443 rushing yards with five scores. He helped lead ASU to a Big 12 championship, a College Football Playoff berth, and a near upset of No. 5 Texas.
Despite injuries this season, his leadership and toughness have never wavered, and he remains one of the most promising returning quarterbacks in college football. But here’s the key: Leavitt likely stays at ASU only if Dillingham does. If Dillingham explores a move, Leavitt would undoubtedly consider following him. Their has already been reports that Leavitt is exploring his options. That sounds open minded and the bromance can continue on elsewhere. Their connection is strong, their system fit is perfect, and their combined ceiling is enormous. Together, they would instantly become the most sought-after coach-quarterback duo in the country.
Arkansas Must Go All-In If This Dream Is Real
For Arkansas to pull this off, the school would need to present a vision compelling enough to outweigh Dillingham’s ties to ASU and Leavitt’s comfort within that system. That means donor investment, administrative alignment, aggressive NIL planning, and a clear commitment to letting Dillingham run the program on his terms. It would also mean showing Leavitt how he could become the face of Razorback football for years to come, leading an SEC offense designed specifically around his strengths.
This is a massive swing, the type of move that requires boldness, creativity, and financial firepower. But Arkansas has shown before that it’s willing to pursue big ideas. And if the Razorbacks truly want to redirect the trajectory of the program in one offseason to get back into the SEC spotlight like they so desperately want, there is no more transformative pairing available.
Is It Unlikely? Yes. But Would It Be Absolutely Electric? Also Yes.
Picture it: Dillingham’s fast-paced, aggressive offense unleashed on SEC defenses, paired with Leavitt’s dual-threat explosiveness. Picture Fayetteville buzzing again. Picture a future where Arkansas is no longer an SEC afterthought, but a rising force built around two of the brightest young talents in college football. It’s a dream scenario, no doubt. But in the unpredictable world of modern college football, dream scenarios are no longer impossible. Sometimes all it takes is timing, ambition, and the right pitch.
And if Arkansas wants to turn the page and rewrite its story, this is the kind of dream worth chasing.