Initial Thoughts on Arizona State's Leadership Council Selections

Seven players were named to the council - a sharp decline from the double-digit number in 2025. On a positive note, each player named to the group serves a very important purpose.

Why Arizona State's Selections to Council Are Meaningful

Among the seven players selected to the leadership council, four are on defense, and three are on offense.

• RB Kyson Brown

Brown is a special player within the program, as he is one of the remaining recruits from Dillingham's first months as head coach in 2023. The Mississippi native is one of the few players on the team enrolled at the Barrett Honors College and has frequently been cited as an impressive leader on the roster.

• TE Khamari Anderson

Anderson is a returning Sun Devil - the Kentucky transfer has been in the thick of a position battle to wind up as the starting TE, but he is currently battling through an injury as well.

• OT Jalen Klemm

Klemm has faced a rocky road during his time in Tempe. The offensive lineman is now healthy and ready to contribute in 2026 - even to the extent of being in line to earn a starting role.

• DT C.J. Fite

Fite is a returning member of the council and another four-year member of the program. The senior has been universally praised for stepping up into a vocal leadership role as of late, and the star DT has fully embraced the switch.

• LB Zyrus Fiaseu

Fiaseu is returning for his third and final season in Tempe this season. The third linebacker in Brian Ward's rotation became a father in January and has been vocal about how the experience has reshaped the way he approaches leadership - this was a natural selection.

• DB Lyrik Rawls

• DB Montana Warren

Warren is another four-year Sun Devil alongside Brown and Fite - making him another natural choice to be a member of the council. Rawls will only be a one-and-done Sun Devil, but he has frequently been singled out as a standout leader as well.

What Are Surprising Omissions?

Perhaps the biggest surprise was that a quarterback, WR Omarion Miller, and LB Owen Long weren't selected to the council. Cutter Boley and Mikey Keene were natural options for the council, but it remains unclear whether this group is finalized or if there will be room for more additions before the season opener.