ASU Defensive Transfers Who Will Play Biggest Roles in 2026

Now, Brian Ward is tasked with rebounding from extensive starting-level losses by bringing back in-house players ready to take the next step, as well as adding transfer portal players who will inject the 2026 unit with experience. Arizona State on SI names three defensive players most well-positioned to earn sizable roles below.

EDGE Jalen Thompson

Thompson served as a productive player over three seasons at Michigan State before ultimately opting to reunite with his former DL coach, Diron Reynolds, with the Spartans.

The Detroit native is well-positioned to start off the edge in 2026 after the Sun Devils' line was largely forced to be overhauled in lieu of the departures of Justin Wodtly, Elijah O'Neal, and Prince Dorbah. Expect Thompson to start off the edge in complement of returnee Clayton Smith.

LB Owen Long

Long is one of three 4-star recruits from the transfer portal who signed with Arizona State alongside receivers Omarion Miller and Reed Harris.

This instantly placed Long in a spot to earn a starting spot, and the former Colorado State star took full advantage. While Ward's 4-2-5 defense changes the traditional roles for linebackers, Long's astute, cerebral approach to the game translated fully onto the field in spring practices. Fully expect Long to be among the leaders in tackles at the FBS level once again, while also serving as a dynamic playmaker in Ward's aggressive scheme.

S Lyrik Rawls

Rawls is another player who has virtually locked up a starting role to this point of the offseason at the free safety spot.

The incoming transfer has been an extensive contributor between Oklahoma State and Kansas - playing out his final season in Tempe. Rawls is very much an ideal replacement for the departing Xavion Alford, as he possesses roughly the same play style at the surface. Expect Rawls to fully embrace a role as the primary back-line support in the passing game and to complement the strong safety quite well.