Season Kickoff Atmosphere
The 2025 season opens Saturday night in Tempe as the number 11 ranked Arizona State welcomes Northern Arizona University to Mountain America Stadium. For the first time in the 52-game series, both programs enter the matchup ranked. The Sun Devils in the national FBS Top 25 and the Lumberjacks in the FCS Top 20.
The game represents more than just an opener. It’s a chance for ASU to showcase its growth under Kenny Dillingham, make a statement after last year’s Big 12 title, and launch a season where expectations include a return to the playoff conversation. For NAU, it’s an opportunity to prove its rapid progress under head coach Brian Wright against the most talented opponent in program history. However, Coach Wright isn’t looking to just survive this game, but go for the throat.
Injuries and Roster Notes
ASU begins the season with both optimism and a few key setbacks. Defensive tackle Mike Hill Gardner, a promising young player who transferred from Oregon, will miss the year after suffering an Achilles injury. Linebacker Ammon Allen is also out for the season, while fellow linebacker Brandon Wong is expected to miss the first few games. True freshman quarterback Cam Dyer is still rehabbing from an ACL tear but has shown encouraging signs in camp. Although there are some expected injuries, the team is healthy and the depth chart looks impressive down the line.
Despite those losses, the Sun Devils retain enviable depth across the defensive front, with players like CJ Fight, Jacob Rich, and Zack Swanson ready to anchor the interior. The offensive line has been retooled, with veteran transfer Ben Coleman securing the starting job at center.
Leadership and Culture
One of the defining features of the off-season has been the continued emphasis on culture and accountability. The Pat Tillman Leadership Council, chosen entirely by player vote, Sam Leavitt, Xavion Alford, Keyshaun Elliott, and CJ Fite, Jordan Tyson, Clayton Smith, Keith Abney, and Josh Atkins.
The fact that so many transfers have quickly earned the respect of the locker room underscores the rapid buy-in to Coach Kenny’s vision. Although the rapid adoption of the culture and attitude of this football program with Dillingham has been blatantly obvious since his first season here. This mix of veterans and new additions reflects a team that is both experienced and hungry, with a clear identity of being player-driven.
Scouting Northern Arizona
Northern Arizona arrives in Tempe with confidence after an 8–4 season and a return to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2017. Wright, a former ASU assistant, has transformed the program in short order, leaning on a mix of Division II transfers and experienced veterans.
Quarterback Ty Pennington, the 2024 Big Sky Newcomer of the Year, is the centerpiece. He threw for 2,288 yards and 13 touchdowns with only two interceptions while also rushing for 437 yards and seven scores. Running back Seth Cromwell adds a physical presence, rushing for 681 yards and nine touchdowns a year ago. On the perimeter, Pennington will look to reliable target Kolbe Katsis and Stanford transfer Jayson Raines, a 6’4” wideout who provides a big body in the passing game.
Defensively, NAU is aggressive and unpredictable. The line is anchored by preseason All-Big Sky tackle Micah Carreon and physical interior presence Alani Ma’afu rounding out the front. Cornerback Mikale Greer led the team with four interceptions last season. However, the Lumberjacks will be without two of their top linebackers, Ammon Allen and Brandon Wong, leaving a noticeable void in the middle of the defense.
Keys to the Game
For Arizona State, the priority is to establish control at the line of scrimmage. The Sun Devils’ defensive front has the depth and athleticism to disrupt Pennington, and sustained pressure could force the Lumberjacks into turnovers. On offense, ASU will look to assert its ground game early, exploiting NAU’s injuries at linebacker with a stable of running backs led by Raleek Brown and Kanye Udoh.
Explosiveness will also be a point of emphasis. While last year’s offense was consistent, it often lacked game-breaking plays. With Levitt at the helm and weapons such as Tyson and Jaren Hamilton on the outside, the Sun Devils will aim to stretch the field and create mismatches against NAU’s secondary. Protecting Leavitt and avoiding costly mistakes on special teams will round out the formula for success.
For NAU, the path to competing begins with ball control. Establishing the run behind Seth Cromwell and sustaining long drives would limit ASU’s offensive possessions. The Lumberjacks will also need to disguise coverages and generate pressure to keep Leavitt uncomfortable. Discipline and mistake-free football will be critical for NAU to remain competitive into the second half.
The Bigger Picture
While Northern Arizona is coming to Tempe intent on an upset, Saturday’s game is about Arizona State setting the tone for 2025. The Sun Devils are favored for good reason, boasting superior depth, size, and talent. Still, Dillingham’s group knows that championship teams make statements early, and this opener provides a stage to demonstrate that last year’s success was only the beginning.
Mountain America Stadium is expected to be buzzing with anticipation. Athletic Director Graham Rossini has already confirmed that the game is sold out. Kenny Dillingham has diligently pleaded with students, fans, and boosters that showing up is a vital part of the success of the program, and it seems that the Valley has certainly been activated. Fans, players, and coaches alike understand that the journey toward another Big 12 crown and a potential playoff berth begins under the lights against a familiar in-state foe.
The message is simple: the Sun Devils are back, and the road to another special season starts now.
