ESPN has ASU football near top of returning production in 2025

Connelly noted that ASU has a 79% returning production percentage, second being 81% Clemson. Head coach Kenny Dillingham keeps a majority of his tools on offense, headed by redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt. Dillingham asked a lot of his quarterback, but Leavitt continuously provided and had a generational debut season for the Sun Devils. PFF has Leavitt as the third best-returning quarterback next year and will lead ASU’s returners to continue its success.

ESPN noted that only 23 out of 398 FBS teams have had the same or better production than the Sun Devils in the past three years. ASU is in elite company heading into next season, which is odd considering the departure of its star running back Cam Skattebo.

Skattebo was a top-five Heisman finalist and rushed for over 1,700 yards, earning an invite to the NFL draft combine. His sensational senior season will have him play on Sundays but will hurt ASU heading into 2025. However, an essential part of the Sun Devils and Leavitt’s success next season will rely on the shoulders of junior wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.

PFF has Tyson as the third-best returning receiver, and it’s not hard to see why. In the final seven weeks, Tyson led the nation in receiving yards and could’ve lifted ASU past Texas if not injured. Regardless, Leavitt and Tyson figured out their connection, making Connelly believe this team will not be in many close games next season.