Coach Kenny Dillingham
The desert air in Tempe crackles with anticipation as Arizona State enters the 2025 season riding the momentum of one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football history. Just two seasons removed from a dismal 3-9 campaign, Kenny Dillingham transformed the Sun Devils into Big 12 champions and College Football Playoff participants in 2024, proving that his vision for the program wasn’t just ambitious talk.
Dillingham’s five-year contract extension signals the university’s unwavering confidence in the 35-year-old coach who has already established himself as an Arizona State icon. His emphasis on retention has paid dividends, with Heisman candidate quarterback Sam Leavitt returning despite interest from other programs, providing crucial continuity to an offense that found its identity under Dillingham’s guidance.
The roster continuity extends far beyond Leavitt, with key veterans returning across both sides of the ball. The offensive line, anchored by experienced seniors, provides the foundation for an attack that averaged over 400 yards per game during their championship run. Even after the departure of Cam Skattebo to the NFL, running back depth remains strong, giving the Sun Devils multiple weapons to complement Leavitt’s dual-threat capabilities.
Defensively, Arizona State returns several impact players who matured rapidly during last season’s playoff push. The secondary, which emerged as a strength late in 2024, features experienced cornerbacks who’ve proven they can handle Big 12 passing attacks. The linebacker corps brings both athleticism and football IQ, crucial elements in defending the spread offenses common throughout the conference.
Special teams units also return key contributors, including a reliable kicker and dynamic returners who can flip field position. These often-overlooked pieces proved vital during several close victories last season and could be difference-makers again.
What makes this season particularly promising is how these players have bought into a system that maximizes their collective strengths. The chemistry built during their championship campaign creates continuity that many programs struggle to maintain in the transfer portal era.
With the Big 12 landscape still evolving and Arizona State now established as a legitimate contender, the Sun Devils enter 2025 with veteran leadership and proven talent. This combination of experience and ambition makes this season one of the most anticipated in recent Arizona State history.