Realistic Expectations for Arizona State in 2026

Last month, Dillingham spoke with reporters, previewing his expectations for the team heading into spring practices. The Sun Devils have established themselves as a competent group, but it's time to continue those winning ways each and every year.

• “Everybody brings it day 1,” Dillingham said. “Like I told the guys in meetings, I’m not judging how you practice today, I’m not. I want to see how consistent you are. Whoever you are today, it’s going to bother me if you’re different [on] day 7. Those are the guys that are going to bother me, because those are the guys that are different in the third quarter than they are [in] the first quarter, than they are [in] the second quarter."

• “So whatever you are today is the expectation I have for you every day," Dillingham continued. "If you’re not a guy who can bring it every day, don’t bring it all today. If you are a guy who can bring it every single day and have that mindset, set the expectation for what I’m going to see out of you today. You get to pick that. So, I’m excited to see 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 to see that competition and mindset.”

Can Arizona State Overcome Roster Turnover?

The Sun Devils have several moving parts heading into next season, including a new starting quarterback. Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley and Michigan transfer Mike Keeney will compete for the position. Additionally, Jordyn Tyson was drafted with the No. 8 pick by the New Orleans Saints in the 2026 NFL Draft.

That being said, Arizona State has a star-studded wide receiver corps led by Colorado transfer Omarion Miller, who is a projected first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. The Sun Devils have the talent to compete in the Big 12, which feels wide open every year. The biggest question mark heading into next season for Arizona State is the quarterback situation. However, if Boley or Keeney proves at least competent, the Sun Devils can develop into a very good team.