ASU shocked the college football world in 2024. Picked to finish dead last in the Big 12 preseason poll, the Sun Devils defied expectations under second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham. On top of that, they stormed to an 11-3 record, claimed the Big 12 title, and secured a first-round bye in the first-ever 12-team CFP. They even pushed Texas to the brink in the Peach Bowl. But now, trouble looms, a harsh reality threatens ASU’s Big 12 crown, and Dillingham finds himself on high alert.
On March 25th, CBS Sports shook up the CFB with a bold revelation on Instagram. Yes, in a video clip, Josh Pate dropped a major warning about Kenny Dillingham’s Big 12 title hopes, and he didn’t hold back, saying, “Brigham Young has the easiest schedule and power for this year. That’s what we have right now. We can adjust this, but it’s not going to adjust much.” As of now, with BYU’s smooth path ahead, ASU’s grip on the conference crown might be slipping.
Here’s why BYU’s schedule is a dream come true, according to Josh Pate. “Brigham Young’s got a great draw this year. They don’t play a single tier-one opponent. And they don’t play a single tier-two opponent. They only play two tier-three opponents. There is no back-to-back road game on their schedule,” said Pate. Honestly, with a path this smooth, BYU has a golden opportunity to shake up the Big 12 race.
However, Pate didn’t forget to point out BYU’s toughest challenge—but even that comes with an advantage. “Texas Tech’s their toughest game, I think, and Texas Tech will be playing them as their sixth consecutive game. Brigham Young will be off a pot, so they got a plus-six game rest advantage there,” said Pate. Although it’s a perfect setup for BYU, but a big risk for ASU. You know, this smooth schedule could make all the difference in the race for the Big 12 crown.
Look, ASU’s 2025 football schedule is packed with tough challenges and key matchups. The Sun Devils kick off the season against Northern Arizona on August 30, then head to Mississippi State for a big road test on September 6. Big 12 play heats up with a tough road trip to Baylor on September 20, followed by away games at Utah and Iowa State. On top of that, the home stretch features crucial games against Texas Tech, West Virginia, and CU. And of course, the season wraps up with the intense rivalry game against Arizona. So, ASU’s title defense will be a true test from start to finish.
Although the road to the conference title won’t be easy for ASU, but with their head coach’s confidence, a dynasty could be in the making.
The head coach’s mission at ASU
ASU’s incredible turnaround has pundits questioning whether their success will last or if they’ll be a one-hit wonder. But Kenny Dillingham isn’t worried. He’s focused on building a dynasty. “Everybody has these moments where they kind of put themselves on the map in these eras. That’s the goal,” said Dillingham. Looks like the future is bright in Tempe.
And after just 1 successful season, Dillingham isn’t ready to crown ASU as a long-term powerhouse — but he believes his team has the potential. “Right now, you could argue Utah is inching into that world, but nobody’s really stamped themselves in this era. And I think that’s the challenge. Can we do that? Can we be that team that in seven or eight years from now they’re like, ‘Whoa, they showed up in this time?’” said ASU’s head coach. While the challenge is on, the future is theirs to claim.
However, Dillingham knows the story all too well — ASU football has had its fair share of ups and downs. Long stretches of mediocrity, followed by flashes of brilliance, only to repeat the cycle. But with Dillingham at the helm, the question remains: will this era be different? Time will tell where ASU can go with this head coach leading the charge. So, the future is full of possibilities.
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