On November 27, 2022, a young and relatively unknown head coach tiptoed quietly into ASU’s football program. The odds were stacked against him, and the scrutiny? It was touching the roof. After all, the program was coming off a 3-9 season, and many thought the move was a whirlwind of the carelessness that had always been with ASU following NCAA sanctions. Cut short to the start of the 2025 off-season, guess who’s laughing now?
What Kenny Dillingham has done at ASU is a legendary feat that will be remembered for some time now. Sure, the first season wasn’t as expected, as the team finished 3-9 again, but it takes some time to see the changes. Now, in Kenny Dillingham’s case, the moves weren’t mere changes; it was a revolution that shook the Big 12 and the whole CFB world by storm. Just watch the tape of that Texas game the team played last year, and you will know.
The Sun Devils decimated opponents like they were playing in their backyard and won their Big 12 championship game against ISU in a 45-19 landslide. The flex? ASU was the first time going into the playoffs where they faced a Texas team that was appearing second time consecutively in the playoffs. The Sun Devils may have lost that game, but they won the football fans’ hearts. The products? The rigors made Sam Leavitt the quarterback he is now after producing 2,885 passing and 443 rushing yards. But who could forget Cam Skattebo, the running back who won the MVP despite ASU losing that game? Surely, now, when you look at the momentum, next year seems a cakewalk, right?
Not according to Adam Breneman, the CBS Sports analyst. The former Penn State legend recently provided his predictions on the 12 playoff spots, and ASU was nowhere to be seen. The analyst predicted Penn State to win the Big 10, Alabama to win the SEC, and Clemson (unarguably, of course) to win the ACC. But the team the analyst predicted to be winning the Big 12 championship might surprise you.
Breneman predicted Texas Tech would win the Big 12 title in 2025. But does this prediction make sense? ASU’s most important player, Cam Skattebo, is now in the NFL, joining the New York Giants, and C.J. Fite’s absence (7.5 sacks) will also be felt on the team. Now, when you compare it with Joey McGuire’s Texas Tech, they might not have had the 11-3 record last season like the Sun Devils. But their QB, Behren Morton, is returning just like Leavitt, and the guy threw 3,429 yards last season, too. Moreover, if they win their road game against ASU, the doors for their playoff spot will be opened ajar.
Sam Leavitt Gets Challenged by Head Coach Kenny Dillingham
Sam Leavitt is the most exciting QB returning and is even touted to be at the top in some Heisman lists. Coach Dillingham’s relationship with him will surely help, and the QB’s performance in big games will be the game-changer. We saw that happening in his last-minute clutch exhibition against Kansas as he led the team to a 35-31 victory with just 16 seconds on the clock. No wonder Kenny Dillingham seems excited about the guy.
Dillingham, talking on the ‘Unafraid Show’, praised Leavitt’s performances but demanded to be prepared for the unexpected. “If you don’t have that mindset that you’re going to find a way to be the best, then what are we doing? Like, I don’t want to coach that guy. I want to coach the guy that I say like, “Settle down.” Not the guy that I’m like, “Come on, buddy.” Yeah, I want the guy who’s like, “Okay let’s”—and you can’t really say that,”.
Offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo’s return will help. Key returners like wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (1,008 yards) and offensive linemen like Leif Fautanu will help a lot. In defense, linebackers Zyrus Fiaseu and Keyshaun Elliott’s experience will be crucial to lead the team. The only concern? Will Kyson Brown or Kanye Udoh (Army transfer, 1,117 yards) perform at the level of Cam Skattebo, or would ASU need a solid RB from the portal?
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