Arizona State Loses Key Offensive Lineman for Remainder of the Year

Arizona State’s season just took a major hit. Coach Kenny Dillingham confirmed that senior lineman Ben Coleman is out for the rest of the year after suffering a left arm injury against No. 23 Utah, an injury that ends his seven‑year college career.

Coleman was no ordinary lineman. He was a stabilizer, a leader, and a wall in pass protection. In 2024, he earned one of the top grades nationally at guard: an 84.6 PFF mark, 21st in FBS, and seventh in the Big 12. He did not allow a sack all year, surrendered only four pressures and two QB hits, and consistently delivered reliability under fire.

This season, Coleman began at center, filling the void left by All‑Conference returner Leif Fautanu, but was moved back to left guard in the Utah game, with redshirt freshman Wade Helton taking snaps. He injured his arm late in the first half and never returned.

Losing Coleman is more than an injury; it’s a structural blow to Arizona State’s offense. He not only anchored line play but was a communicator, the guy calling protections, adjusting fronts, and steadying younger teammates. The Sun Devils now must rely on backups in key spots, and the transition won’t be seamless.

In heartbreaking symmetry, this injury also ends Coleman’s college career. He worked through adversity, including a prior Achilles injury, to become one of ASU’s most trusted veterans. Now, that journey concludes not on his terms but in the crucible of a Big 12 season.

For Dillingham and the Sun Devils, the task is immediate. They must reshuffle the interior line, maintain cohesion under pressure, and support the replacement in high-leverage battles. If they can’t, the loss of Coleman will haunt them in critical moments, especially when facing strong fronts over the rest of the schedule.

Ben Coleman was more than a blocker. He was an identity piece for ASU’s offense. In losing him, Arizona State loses more than an arm; they lose experience, leadership, and one of their most reliable pillars.