For the first time in years, the optimism surrounding Arizona State football doesn’t feel like blind hope. It feels earned.
The Sun Devils enter the 2025 campaign with stability across the roster, a coaching staff that has begun to establish an identity, and a young quarterback who might be on the verge of national stardom. With expectations soaring, ASU is no longer just aiming to compete in the Big 12. The program believes it belongs in the conversation for a conference title, a major bowl berth, and—if everything breaks right—even a College Football Playoff spot.
Leavitt’s Leap: From Breakout Freshman to Heisman Dark Horse
Sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt is the fulcrum of ASU’s hopes. After throwing for more than 2,800 yards as a freshman with just six interceptions, Leavitt enters 2025 with both national attention and heightened expectations.
The key, according to the Speak of the Devils panel, is balance. “With Sam Leavitt, it’s almost like don’t do too much,” Jordan Ham observed. “The progression is there for him to take the next step, but it’s just as important what he doesn’t do as what he does.”
That means limiting turnovers, staying healthy, and trusting an upgraded supporting cast. If he does, a 3,000-yard, 30-touchdown season is within reach, and so is the Heisman conversation.
Brad Denny added that Leavitt doesn’t need to press: “This should be an offense that’s explosive, that’s putting up 30 points a game. Just don’t overstress. Don’t try to do it all on your own.”
With weapons like Tyson, Hamilton, Moss, and a deep tight end group, Leavitt doesn’t have to be Superman. He just has to be himself.
Life After Skattebo: A Backfield by Committee
No storyline looms larger than replacing Cam Skattebo, the bruising runner and emotional heartbeat of last year’s offense. His absence leaves a gap in both production and personality.
“I’m curious who on this team is going to replace that edge that Skattebo brought,” Ham noted. “He was a jerk to his own team at times, and they needed that. Sam has taken some of that, but you need a non-quarterback to step into that role too.”
On the field, though, there’s confidence the committee approach can deliver. Kyson Brown has matured into a lead option, Raleek Brown is a dangerous playmaker if healthy, and Kanye Udo brings power and versatility. Behind an experienced offensive line, the run game should remain a strength, even if the emotional spark Skattebo provided is harder to replicate.
As Hod Rabino put it: “You have four returning starters on the offensive line and a healthy Raleek Brown. That’s enough to minimize the drop-off.”
Tyson Leads a Revamped Receiving Corps
If Leavitt is the key, Jordan Tyson is the weapon that unlocks ASU’s full potential. Already a preseason All-American, Tyson has been nearly unstoppable in camp. But unlike 2024, he won’t have to shoulder the burden alone.
“This is a group that feels like an upgrade across the board,” said Joe Healey. “When you compare it to last year, man for man it’s just better.”
Jaren Hamilton provides deep-threat consistency, Melan Malik offers size and physicality, and Jalen Moss is a chain-moving specialist who could become a third-down security blanket. Younger players like Harry Hassmann and Zechariah Sample only deepen the bench.
The tight ends might be the real secret weapon. Khamari Anderson, a transfer from Kentucky, has turned heads immediately. “What were they thinking not using this guy?” Rabino asked. “He looks like a star here.” Alongside Chamon Metayer and Cameron Harpole, ASU has the depth to run multiple tight-end sets and stress defenses in ways they haven’t in decades.
Building in the Trenches
The offensive line may be the best Dillingham has fielded. With four returning starters, the only question is at center, where Iowa State transfer Wade Helton has challenged veteran Ben Coleman.
“I think Helton’s going to start,” Rabino predicted. “He was recruited to be a center, and the coaches trust him. Coleman’s best at guard anyway.”
The staff knows the line must protect Leavitt and open running lanes, but the versatility across the unit has them confident.
Defense Ready to Attack
The defense, long a weak spot in Tempe, may now be a strength.
Players like Clayton Smith and Justin Wodtly have transformed their bodies, adding muscle without losing quickness. “Wodtly just looks unblockable right now,” Denny said. With depth across the board, the expectation is for sacks and havoc plays to finally match last year’s stout run defense.
Linebackers: Best in the Big 12?
“On paper, this group might be the best in the conference,” Healey said. Veterans like Crook, Elliot, and Hughes give ASU both stability and playmaking ability.
Secondary: Depth and Competition
Replacing Shamari Simmons is no small task, but the Devils believe they have the depth. Talents like Keith Abney II, Javan Robinson, Montana Warren, and Boogie Wilson headline a secondary that could thrive if the pass rush improves.
Special Teams and the Margins
Special teams, often overlooked, could swing games in the Big 12. Jesus Gomez is reliable at kicker, while Brown and Moss give ASU explosion in the return game.
“In those coin-flip games, a 55-yarder from Gomez could be the difference,” Ham said.
The Schedule and the Stakes
ASU’s path isn’t simple. Road trips to Utah and Baylor stand out as the toughest tests, while Mississippi State and Texas Tech could be swing games. A 10–2 record feels like a realistic projection, but fans and players alike are eyeing the Big 12 Championship.
The Rose Bowl is within reach if they get there. And if Leavitt and the defense overachieve, the College Football Playoff chatter may not be just noise.
A Program Reborn
Not long ago, Arizona State was fighting just to stay relevant. Now, it enters 2025 with belief, balance, and the kind of roster depth fans haven’t seen in years.
“Last year, it took a month before Leavitt and the offense clicked,” Healey said. “This year, he’s got the weapons and experience from the start.”
The consensus is clear: this isn’t a rebuilding year. It’s a year to contend.
Leavitt’s arm, Tyson’s explosiveness, a committee of backs, and a defense built to pressure quarterbacks all point toward a season that could redefine the Sun Devils’ trajectory.
This time, the hype in Tempe doesn’t feel manufactured. It feels earned. And if ASU delivers, 2025 could be remembered as the season the Sun Devils finally turned potential into results.
