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Portal Addition Could be Sun Devils’ Sleeper in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tony Thomas | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 10:37 PM ET

The Arizona State Sun Devils return 18 starters from last year’s Big 12 Championship team. Among those are some talented transfers that will fill a need this season.

The Sun Devils return both starting cornerbacks in their secondary, but also add talented transfer CB Nyland Green. And, according to Bill Connelly of ESPN, Green could be the impactful sleeper player that helps the Sun Devils potentially win another conference crown and a berth in the college football playoff.

Green arrives in Tempe after spending the 2024 season at Purdue. With the Boilermakers, Green made 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, five pass breakups and one forced fumble. He also played three years at Georgia, seeing limited action there.

As a unit, the Sun Devils’ secondary ranked 81^st in the FBS in pass defense. As a result, Green will be a welcome addition in 2025.

Green comes to the defending conference champions, Arizona State, at a great time in their history. Head coach Kenny Dillingham has built a championship program with the right mindset and they are poised for greatness once again this season.

The Sun Devils were picked to finish last in the conference last season, their first as a member of the Big 12. Then, led by 2025 Heisman contender QB Sam Leavitt, running back Cam Skattebo and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, the Sun Devils turned up the heat on their opponents on their way to a historic 2024 season.

The beat writers will not make the same mistake twice. Arizona State, with Green’s help, should be hoisting the hardware once again at season’s end.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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