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Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (44) and defensive back Myles Rowser (4) and defensive back Keith Abney II (1) in action during the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Arizona State Sun Devils at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Best QB's Arizona State Will Face in 2025

Originally posted on Arizona State Sun Devils on SI
By Kevin Hicks | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 9:00 AM ET

Arizona State's defense was undeniably a massive driving force behind the program securing a Big 12 title in the first season as members of the league - Brian Ward's aggressive unit ranked within the top five in the conference in a myriad of stats, and caused lots of chaos in the process.

The defense faced several tests - from Jalon Daniels of Kansas, to Avery Johnson of Kansas State, to former five star Quinn Ewers of Texas - and the squad typically came out unscathed despite occasional lapses.

The 2025 schedule could make for more challenging matchups compared to the previous campaign - but who are the quarterbacks that will pose the most challenges?

A look at the top three quarterbacks that Ward's defense is set to face this season:

3. Rocco Becht

Becht is returning for his third season as Iowa State's starting quarterback this season.

Player Spotlight Monday

Each Monday this offseason, I’ll be highlighting a current or former Cyclone athlete!

First up: Rocco Becht. QB, 2022 - present.

2024 Stats
- 271/456 (59.4%)
- 3,505 yards
- 25 TDs
- Led ISU to their first ever 11-win season

More to come … pic.twitter.com/f1WnORzUop
— Cardinal & Gold Report (@hoopsreport_ia) May 12, 2025

The junior is coming off of throwing 48 touchdowns over the last two campaigns after replacing Hunter Dekkers as the program's starter in 2023.

The Florida native has a strong arm, underrated mobility, and the moxie to create big plays in key moments of games.

While Iowa State fell to the Sun Devils by 26 points in the Big 12 title game last December, Becht played admirably despite being injured mid-game.

2. Josh Hoover

Hoover took over as Texas Christian's starting QB roughly halfway into the 2023 season and hasn't looked back since.

The junior is coming off of a 2024 season in which he was the catalyst of a TCU offense that was so potent that it won nine contests - a massive rebound from a disappointing 2023 season in which the team failed to make a bowl game.

Josh Hoover, Dark Horse Heisman?
pic.twitter.com/PlGyFwpp11
— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) March 23, 2025

Hoover is a natural born playmaker in the pocket and can change a game with a single flick of the wrist - Ward's defense will have to be prepared for the Big 12 home opener.

1. Sawyer Robertson

Robertson could very well be the best quarterback not named Sam Leavitt in the conference.

I'm really intrigued by #Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson

+ Really good pure arm talent
+ Solid accuracy to all levels of the field
+ Sees the field well
+ Escapes the pocket well with nice athleticism
+ Prototype QB build at 6'4, 220 pic.twitter.com/J3PzFcpmeG
— Andy (@AndyyNFL) May 12, 2025

The incumbent Baylor starter possesses a rocket arm, a traditional frame for a QB, and a natural ability to go through progressions calmly.

Baylor will be tested in non-conference play - as they draw both Auburn and SMU. Robertson could be extraordinarily battle tested for the Big 12 opener against the Sun Devils in Waco on September 20.

Read more on a game-by-game schedule prediction for the 2025 Sun Devils here, and if the program has a legitimate chance to win the national championship this season here.

Please let us know your thoughts on the challenges the Sun Devils are set to face this season when you like our Facebook page when you click right here.

This article first appeared on Arizona State Sun Devils on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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