College football never sits still, and Arizona State University (ASU) is right in the thick of it. Coach Kenny Dillingham has the Sun Devils turning heads after an injury-riddled 2025 season that still wrapped up at 8-5.
They lost some key players, sure—quarterback Sam Leavitt and receiver Jordyn Tyson among them—but ASU’s not sitting around feeling sorry for itself. The transfer portal’s been kind, and with a mix of old and new faces, the Sun Devils are eyeing the Big 12 title.
Coach Kenny Dillingham: A Steady Hand at the Helm
Kenny Dillingham is an Arizona guy through and through. He even turned down a shot at Michigan to stay with ASU, locking in a long-term contract.
His loyalty stands out, especially considering he led the Sun Devils to their first-ever College Football Playoff just a couple of years back. Dillingham loves the underdog role, and honestly, he seems to thrive on it.
2025 Season Recap
The 2025 season was a wild ride. Injuries piled up, but the team still managed to snag eight wins.
That kind of grit says a lot about what Dillingham brings. Of course, losing some of those core players leaves a few holes to fill.
Key Losses and New Additions
ASU’s roster has been shaken up. Losing Sam Leavitt to LSU and Jordyn Tyson to the NFL—Tyson went No. 8 overall to the Saints—definitely stings.
Replacing that kind of talent? Not easy, but the Sun Devils aren’t empty-handed.
Incoming Talent
The transfer portal delivered some real game-changers:
- Omarion Miller from Colorado
- Reed Harris from Boston College
- Raiden Vines-Bright from Washington
- Cutter Boley from Kentucky
- Mikey Keene from Fresno State
- Owen Long from Colorado State
Miller, Harris, and Vines-Bright together racked up more than 2,600 yards and 20 touchdowns. Not too shabby.
Boley and Keene give the quarterback room some needed depth, while Long—who led the nation in tackles—should make the defense a lot tougher.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Every team has its strong spots and, well, not-so-strong ones. Even without Tyson, the receiving corps looks stacked with Miller, Harris, and Vines-Bright in the mix.
Defensive Prowess
C.J. Fite is a beast on the defensive line, probably one of the best tackles in the Big 12. Adding Owen Long just makes that group scarier.
Stopping the run and getting after the quarterback—those are going to be huge for ASU this year.
Quarterback Questions
The quarterback situation is a bit of a mystery. With Leavitt gone, Boley and Keene have a shot, but it’s tough to predict how they’ll fit into Dillingham’s system.
All the roster changes mean this team needs time to find its rhythm, especially in those key spots.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Season
The 2026 schedule looks brutal but honestly, kind of exciting. There’s even a game in London against Kansas, plus nine straight games to close out the season.
It’s a gauntlet, and it’ll test just how tough this group really is.
Key Games
Some of the matchups everyone’s circling on the calendar:
- At No. 8 Texas A&M on September 12
- Vs. Kansas in London on September 19
- At No. 12 Texas Tech on October 17
- At Arizona on November 28
Those games could make or break ASU’s Big 12 run. No doubt, it’s going to be a season worth watching.
Conclusion: A Season of Possibilities
Arizona State heads into the 2026 season with a roster that mixes experienced veterans and fresh faces. It’s always interesting to see how that blend plays out on the field.
Coach Kenny Dillingham brings his own style of leadership, and honestly, the team’s resilience could make all the difference this year. The quarterback situation still feels a bit uncertain, but the Sun Devils have plenty of talent to work with.
If you’re curious about Arizona State’s preparations and what to expect, check out the Herald Extra for more details.
We’ll be watching as the Sun Devils take on the season—should be a wild ride.
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