Josh Pate Projects Arizona State to Win the Big 12 in 2025

In Pate’s projection, Arizona State would open the postseason against No. 7 Ohio State, setting up a marquee first-round matchup between one of college football’s traditional powerhouses and a program that has quickly emerged as a national storyline.

The Sun Devils’ rise has been one of the most unexpected developments in recent Big 12 history. In their debut season in the conference, ASU stunned Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game and earned a playoff berth. They nearly shocked the country again, pushing Texas to double overtime in the Peach Bowl before falling short. That run put Kenny Dillingham’s program on the national radar and proved that Arizona State was no fluke.

Pate’s confidence in ASU reflects both continuity and momentum. The Sun Devils return several offensive playmakers, including a wide receiver room, while the defense proved last season that it could hold its own against high-level competition. Dillingham’s second year at the helm brought discipline and belief, and now his third year carries even higher expectations.

Arizona State is not a traditional College Football Playoff name, but its trajectory fits the new Big 12 landscape. The conference no longer revolves around Oklahoma and Texas, and Pate’s projection highlights the possibility of fresh contenders breaking through.

Whether the Sun Devils can actually repeat as Big 12 champions remains to be seen, but they have positioned themselves as one of the league’s most intriguing teams entering 2025.