Sun Devils have high hopes as they look to defend Big 12 championship
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Sam Leavitt is being called one of college football's best quarterbacks this year, and will be key to the Sun Devils' success in 2025. Photo: Bruce Yeung/Getty Images
The Sun Devils won't catch anyone off guard this season.
Catch up quick: Last year, ASU was projected to finish dead last in its inaugural season in the Big 12.
- The Sun Devils didn't just defy expectations — they won the conference and went to the playoffs, where they lost a double-overtime heartbreaker to Texas in the Peach Bowl.
- ASU's Cinderella season was a major step forward for the program run by head coach Kenny Dillingham.
The big picture: The Big 12 is up for grabs as the college football season begins, and unlike last year, a lot of eyes will be on ASU from the get-go.
What we're watching: The Sun Devils start the season ranked No. 11 in both preseason polls.
- Kansas State is the most popular pick to win the conference this year, but many pundits have ASU ranked just behind.
- The Athletic projected the Sun Devils to repeat as conference champions, and Las Vegas betting odds have ASU at or near the top.
1 big loss: Running back Cam Skattebo was the engine that drove the Sun Devils' offense last year, but he isn't around to bowl over opposing defenders anymore.
- ASU's depth chart shows Kyson Brown and Raleek Brown as the top options at running back, and the Arizona Republic wrote Kyson Brown is expected to start.
- Kyson Brown hears the talk about how hard it'll be to fill Skattebo's shoes, telling the Republic, "I just see it as an opportunity. I'm definitely ready for an opportunity and to showcase what I've been working."
- Army transfer Kanye Udoh, who rushed for 1,117 yards last year, could also have a big impact.
Who to watch: Quarterback Sam Leavitt was a big part of the Sun Devils' success last year, and ASU's hopes for this season largely rest on his arm.
- Leavitt, a Michigan State transfer, had a breakout season in 2024 and won Big 12 Freshman of the Year after throwing for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns with just six interceptions.
- And Leavitt's top target Jordyn Tyson, one of the conference's top receivers last year, is back.
- Some analysts are calling Leavitt one of the best quarterbacks in college football this season, and he cracked ESPN's top 10 for Heisman Trophy contenders.
Between the lines: ASU has a lot of returning starters, and during a recent media availability, Dillingham talked up a roster with nearly 30 starting-caliber players, saying, "just the depth of a football team is better, and obviously it's a huge positive."
What's next: The Sun Devils open their season Saturday at home against NAU.