Arizona State: Defending the Crown and Aiming Higher
I have the Arizona State Sun Devils at No. 14 in my preseason Top 25, and they are my clear pick to win the Big 12 once again. Last season, head coach Kenny Dillingham engineered the most stunning turnaround in college football, taking a team picked to finish last in the conference and leading them to a Big 12 Championship and a spot in the College Football Playoff. Now, with the second-most returning production in the entire country, the Sun Devils are no longer a surprise. They are the hunted, and they have the talent, experience, and coaching to make an even deeper run in 2025.
2024: The Miracle in the Desert
No one saw it coming. After consecutive 3-9 seasons, expectations were nonexistent. But Dillingham’s “Activate the Valley” movement caught fire. The season started to turn with a statement win over ranked Utah, culminating in a massive field storming that signaled a new era in Tempe.
That win sparked an unbelievable November run. The Sun Devils surged from unranked to a top-four playoff seed by beating #16 Kansas State, #14 BYU, and then exacting revenge on rival Arizona with a 49-7 demolition. They capped it off by defeating #16 Iowa State to win their first outright conference title since 1996. In the playoff quarterfinals, led by their superhero All-American Cam Skattebo, they nearly shocked the world, taking Texas to the brink. It was a season that put Arizona State back on the national map.
Offense: Reloading After a Legend
The offense returns seven starters, but they face the monumental task of replacing their engine, Heisman finalist Cam Skattebo. His unique blend of power, balance, and versatility won’t be replicated by one player. Instead, a trio of backs will share the load, featuring the speed of Kyson Brown, the downhill power of Army transfer Kanye Udoh, and the pedigree of former top recruit Raleek Brown.
The offense is in great hands with dual-threat quarterback Sam Leavitt, who returns after a phenomenal freshman season where he earned second-team All-Big 12 honors. With a full year under his belt, Leavitt is poised for a second-year leap. He gets his top target back in third-team All-American Jordyn Tyson, who exploded over the final eight games with 892 yards and nine touchdowns. The offensive line, which transformed from a weakness into a major strength, returns four starters and will once again be a dominant unit.
Defense: A Veteran Unit Built for a Title Defense
Brian Ward’s defense was just as critical to the championship run, improving from a liability into a top-25 unit in opponent-adjusted metrics. In 2025, they are poised to be even better, returning an incredible nine starters.
The entire defensive front seven is basically back, led by All-Big 12 tackle CJ Fite. The secondary is the strength of the team, anchored by the safety duo of Xavion Alford and Myles Rowser, who combined for a league-best 183 tackles. With both starting corners also returning, this is one of the most experienced and cohesive defensive units in the country. They are built to shut down the high-powered offenses of the Big 12.
The Schedule and the Path
The Sun Devils won’t be sneaking up on anyone this year. As the defending Big 12 champions, they will have a target on their back every single week. But in a wide-open conference, their continuity and championship experience give them a massive advantage. Their path to a repeat title and another playoff berth is clear.
Why I’m So Confident
Here’s why Arizona State is a legitimate Top 15 team:
- No. 2 in the nation in returning production.
- A breakout star at quarterback in Sam Leavitt.
- An elite, veteran defense with nine returning starters.
- A program brimming with confidence under Kenny Dillingham.
- The invaluable experience of a championship run and playoff appearance.
Losing a player like Cam Skattebo hurts, but this team is far more than one player. At No. 14 in my preseason rankings, Arizona State has the talent, chemistry, and coaching to win the Big 12 again and make an even deeper run in the College Football Playoff.
