The Arizona State Sun Devils went from 3-9 in 2023 to an 11-win season last year, a Big 12 title in their first year as a member, and a berth in the newly expanded college football playoff.
But, Patrick Weider of Mike Farrell Sports writes that the Sun Devils will be one of four Big 12 teams that could regress in 2025, based on history and the loss of key personnel from last season, like running back Cam Skattebo.
However, the Sun Devils will bring back eight starters on offense and 10 on defense. Included are quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson on offense.
Tyson is the #1 returning receiver in the conference. In 2024, Tyson caught 75 passes for 1,101 yards and 10 TDs. Leavitt accounted for over 3,300 yards and 29 touchdowns and has been mentioned as a 2025 Heisman Trophy candidate.
In the last nine seasons, the Sun Devils have posted winning seasons in six of them. Coach Kenny Dillingham has created a culture that is anchored with a winning mindset and a strong sense of team.
Another positive is that Arizona State suffered zero coaching turnover during this offseason. Dillingham and both of his coordinators are all back on the sideline in Tempe. Coaching continuity, check!
The Sun Devils were picked by the media last season to finish as the cellar dwellers of the Big 12. But Arizona State took that assessment to heart and used it as motivation to go from worst to first in a historic season for the ages.
Coach Dillingham and the Sun Devils have everything in place for another Big 12 title run and another berth in the college football playoff.
