Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham fielded an unexpected reaction Monday when asked about the Sun Devils being slotted at No. 11 in the latest Big 12 coaches poll.
With a wry smile, Dillingham quipped, “Yeah, I mean polls are always accurate, so we should really lean into it.”
When questioned further, Dillingham laughed off the notion that his squad was being overrated. He emphasized that preseason rankings rarely tell the full story. He noted that the Sun Devils have surpassed expectations before, including being picked dead last in last year’s league poll before emerging as conference champions.
Dillingham underscored that polls come with uncertainty and added that his team remains focused on building its own identity, not chasing projections. His tone conveyed both confidence and levity, acknowledging that polls seem to capture headlines but not necessarily define outcomes.
Arizona State opens fall camp with a renewed emphasis on toughness, discipline, and continuity under Dillingham’s leadership. With much of last season’s roster returning and high transfer portal activity settled, expectations around the program are elevated. Yet Dillingham made clear that polls are just starting points, not final verdicts.
While the Sun Devils begin the season with a national ranking, Dillingham’s reaction illustrates a broader message. He prefers to let results speak for themselves on the field rather than leave narratives to preseason lists. His humorous yet pointed remark about leaning into polls underscores that belief.
Arizona State will carry that mindset into Big 12 play and beyond, suggesting that whatever the ranking, their identity is what truly matters.
