The Arizona State Sun Devils are coming off the program’s best season in ages, one that included a Big 12 title and College Football Playoff berth.
The Sun Devils went 11-3 with a 7-2 record in the Big 12 last season. ASU won the Big 12 title by defeating Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game, earning a first-round bye in the CFP.
Arizona State pushed former Big 12 member Texas to the brink in the CFP quarterfinals before a 39-31 loss in double overtime.
For that reason, the Sun Devils are seen as a trendy pick to repeat in 2025. Lindy’s Sports recently published its preview for the Big 12, including the Sun Devils. Heartland College Sports will weigh in with our previews later this summer.
The magazine pitched Arizona State to finish first in the Big 12. Here are three thoughts on the preview.
A HEART TRANSPLANT
Running back Cam Skattebo was the heart and soul of last year’s team. It’s one thing to replace his production, which was more than 2,000 yards rushing and receiving, along with 24 touchdowns. He touched the football so much in 2024.
Lindy’s pointed out that with Skateboo the Sun Devils ran the ball 60% of the time. In today’s college football, that’s almost unheard of for a non-service academy FBS program.
One player won’t replace his. The Sun Devils will need a group to do it. Lindy’s projects Kyson Brown as the starter. He rushed for 351 yards a year ago as Skateboo’s backup. Quarterback Sam Leavitt could see his rushing go up from last year’s 443 yards. Raleek Brown is back, too.
The most intriguing newcomer is Kanye Udoh, who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season at Army West Point. He transferred out after rushing for 1,117 yards and 10 scores. He’s the same type of back Skateboo was, minus the pass-catching ability.
ASU can augment the run game. But can they find a player that captures the attention of college football like Skateboo did late last season? And does that even matter?
THE CONTINUITY IS IMPRESSIVE
Winning helps close the door to the transfer portal. The Sun Devils didn’t go unscathed. But it’s much easier to make a case to get players to stay after an 11-3 season, as opposed to the three-win season the Sun Devils endured in coach Kenny Dillingham’s first year in 2023.
Naturally, all the bold-faced type on the projected starters stood out. The Sun Devils have 17 returning starters, per Lindy’s — seven on offense, nine on defense, and the punter.
But this nugget of information stood out. Arizona State not only retained its entire coaching staff, it retained nearly 80% of its production on both offense and defense — and that’s with losing Skateboo.
The Sun Devils are loaded up, and it feels like they’re going to make one big run at not just another Big 12 title but the CFP, too.
A LOADED DEFENSE
Lindy’s noted that Arizona State’s biggest question mark appears to be at nickel back. When that position is your biggest question mark, then you know your defense is loaded.
The entire starting secondary is back. Most of last year’s pass rush is back, including end Prince Dobrah. Linebackers Keyshawn Elliott and Jordan Crook are back.
Last year’s top two tackles are back in Myles Rowser (98) and Xavion Alford (85). Clayton Smith led the Sun Devils with 4.5 sacks. Javan Robinson and Keith Abney II each had three interceptions and are back.
By the way, no one stopped the run better in the Big 12 last season than Arizona State did.
If this unit stays healthy, good night and good luck.
You can find Matthew Postins on Twitter @PostinsPostcard.
