Arizona State Defense Preview 2025: Loaded Sun Devils Will Keep Bringing the Big Plays

X CFN, Fiu | CFN Facebook | Bluesky Fiu, CFN

2025 Arizona State Preview
Arizona State Offense Breakdown 
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season

- The pass rush wasn’t great, but it gets back top sacker Clayton Smith. On the other side, Prince Dorbah is back after being banged up last year following a terrific 2023. Elijah O’Neal was second on the team with four sacks.

The tackles are even better than the ends. CJ Fite is an all-star interior pass rusher and tough tackler against the run, Jacob Rich Kongaika was great at getting behind the line last year, and Justin Wodtly made 26 tackles in the rotation. My'Keil Gardner (Oregon) should be the biggest tackle in the mix.

- The linebackers will be terrific. Keyshaun Elliott made 111 tackles and was a terror in the backfield in 2023, and stepped back a little last year, but he’ll be an All-Big 12 performer again on the outside.

Jordan Crook missed time, but still came up with 57 tackles in the middle - he should hit the 100-tackle mark if he stays in one piece. Zyrus Fiaseau and Martell Hughes can step in and start at either spot, or see more time in a 4-3 alignment.

- The safeties are among the best in the Big 12. Myles Roswer and Xavion Alford were 1-2 in tackles, combining for 183 stops, with Alford earning First Team All-Big 12 honors with five broken up passes and two picks to go along with all his stops.

Kendrich Breedlove (Purdue) was a big positive on an awful Boilermaker team, and now he’ll be a stat-sheet filler at the nickel position.

Starting corners Javan Robinson and Keith Abney II are back. They combined for 95 tackles with six interceptions and 13 tackles for loss. They’re both ultra-quick juniors who are still improving.

Arizona State Offense Breakdown
2025 Arizona State Preview
Season Prediction, Win Total, Keys to Season