It’s not a mirage — the Arizona State Sun Devils are creating real waves in the world of college football. Following a surprise 2024 season where they stunned the Big 12 by claiming the conference championship and securing a College Football Playoff spot, ASU has finally lost its underdog label.
Now, entering 2025, the Sun Devils are not only being noticed as a feel-good story but as a legitimate contender. ESPN’s latest Top 25 ranks them No. 9, and numerous outlets, such as 247Sports, have them as playoff contenders again. So, what’s behind this desert dynasty’s ascent, and will it last?
CSN Power Rankings: Arizona State Sun Devils Are Built To Last
Since he stepped off the plane in Tempe in 2023, HC Kenny Dillingham has been transforming Arizona State. In just two seasons, he’s transformed ASU from a forgettable middle-tier squad into a Big 12 powerhouse with Playoff expectations.
It’s not just the flashy offense or the big wins—it’s the energy. The culture shift in Tempe is loud, fast, and fun, and players are totally locked in.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt is at the heart of it all. He popped off last season with nearly 2,900 passing yards and 24 touchdowns, and now he’s not only in the Heisman conversation but is also featured on one of the EA Sports College Football 26 covers. No pressure, right?
Leavitt’s go-to guy, Jordyn Tyson, is back after torching defenses for over 900 receiving yards last year. And the passing game just got way deeper with some serious transfer portal gems: Jaren Hamilton (Alabama), Jalen Moss (Fresno State), and Noble Johnson (Clemson). If you’re a defensive coordinator, you’re already sweating.
They’ve even added bruiser Kanye Udoh from the Army to balance it out with a little smashmouth energy on the ground. While Leavitt and crew were racking up points last year, it was the defense that quietly laid the foundation for ASU’s breakout.
Defensive coordinator Brian Ward dialed up one of the nastiest blitz-happy defenses in the Big 12. They led the league in sacks, and they’re not slowing down in 2025. Prince Dorbah, the sack king himself, returns to wreak more havoc on the edge. And now he’s got some muscle next to him in My’Keil Gardner, a monster pickup from Oregon.
Linebackers Keyshaun Elliott, Jordan Crook, and Zyrus Fiaseu make up a core that’s fast, physical, and built for chaos. Add in two cornerback transfers from Purdue—Kyndrich Breedlove and Nyland Green—and this defense is set up to shut down anyone.
This year’s schedule is a gauntlet. Big 12 matchups against Baylor, TCU, Utah, and Texas Tech are going to be brutal. On top of that, the Sun Devils hit the road for two tricky non-conference games at Mississippi State and Iowa State.
But with seven home games at a rocking Mountain America Stadium—including a revenge-fueled rivalry clash with Arizona—they’ve got the support to run the table if they stay sharp. ASU isn’t just chasing another surprise run—they’re laying down roots.
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Sure, their 2025 recruiting class isn’t blowing up the rankings, but that’s by design. Rob Dillingham is playing portal chess, not recruiting checkers. His ability to plug holes and stack talent fast is what keeps this team dangerous and deep.
More importantly, the buzz is real. National media’s circling. Recruits are noticing. Tempe’s turning into one of the coolest programs to be a part of—and that’s not something we’ve said in a long time.
With Leavitt slinging it, a defense that eats quarterbacks for breakfast, and a coach who’s redefining what Sun Devil football looks like, 2025 could be their biggest year yet. They’ve got a legit shot at making another College Football Playoff run—and this time, no one’s doubting it.
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