Arizona State to build on last year’s success after landing in top 15 in preseason poll

AP ranks college football teams based on votes from 60 different journalists who extensively cover college football. The Sun Devils were previously ranked in 2021 but were kept off the preseason poll for the last three seasons, including 2024.

ASU went on to win the Big 12 title in 2024 and finished seventh among all schools. Ranking No. 11 holds significance in terms of expectations, with the Sun Devils hoping to duplicate last year’s success.

“Coach Kenny Dillingham has brought new life to a once-overlooked Arizona State program,” AP’s Maura Carey said. “Dillingham took over coming off a 3-9 season and in the past two years has transformed it into a championship-caliber team.”

Although some players, including standout Cam Skattebo, won’t return to the desert this season, the expectation is that Dillingham can lead the team to another successful year. The Sun Devils have addressed their areas of concern, including the kicker role that plagued them last year.

Arizona State has room to grow and not only meet expectations, but exceed them — just as it did last year.