The wait is finally over, after months and months of speculating, the Arizona State Sun Devils have started playing football. Their first game is against hosting fellow Arizona college, the NAU Lumberjacks. So with ASU’s first game underway, what did the Sun Devils think of the kickoff game?
Before the game even started, the excitement was already there for the Sun Devils. This was due to the crowd, especially the student section being super packed.
Seeing waves of ASU Colors, especially gold was super exciting to see. While the pre game activities were going, the crowd was getting hyped up for the game. The excitement for the Sun Devils first game was felt in the air.
Less than 20 minutes to kick, the band is taking the field and the student section is maxed out.
— Logan Brown (@LoganABrown) August 31, 2025
Arizona State and Northern Arizona kickoff a new season in the Valley with lofty expectations for the Sun Devils.
I’ll have coverage throughout + story to follow@sportscronkite pic.twitter.com/apTsqUvhiu
The student section is PACKED with a few minutes before kickoff in the Sun Devils season opener.@Devils_Detail pic.twitter.com/V5hMXPuuwx
— Andrew Hayslett (@AndrewJHayslett) August 31, 2025
The Sun Devils take the field for the first time in the 2025 season. pic.twitter.com/mdTDa17gnr
— Logan Stanley (@LSscribe) August 31, 2025
The excitment stopped for a moment as ASU Left tackle, Josh Atkins got injured. This was a blow to ASU, as the offensive line, especially tackle is a super important position.
It was a scary sight early to see one of ASU's important players go down with an injury.
LT Josh Atkins went down and was tended to by the medical staff and Kenny Dillingham, but he walked off on his own power.
— Sun Devil Daily (@SunDevilDaily) August 31, 2025
Sun Devils redshirt senior left tackle Josh Atkins helped off the field.
— Inferno Intel (@InfernoIntel) August 31, 2025
The first touchdown of the season came pretty quickly as the Sun Devils scored on their first dirve. The score came from Running back Raleek Brown. The Sun Devils were able to drive down the field at a very efficient level.
ASU Quarterback, Sam Leavitt made some very nice throws, with some coming on the run. Kyson Brown made some great catches and runs on the drive, but it was Raleek Brown who finised the drive off.
Sun devils get the first score of the game with Raleek Brown going up the middle for a 6 yard touchdown run. They only needed 5 plays to go 49 yards down the field.
— Austin Williams (@Tug200) August 31, 2025
ASU leads 7-0.
Sun devils are a wagon
— Matt (@ihmatt) August 31, 2025
Twitter user Luke Lendler said it perfectly - ASU started the season in incredible fashion.
Raleek Brown puts defenders in the spin cycle on his first carry of the season and the 2025 Sun Devils are on the board.
— Luke Lendler (@LukeLendler) August 31, 2025
7-0, ASU
Brown did in fact put defenders in the spin cycle. The opening drive touchdown helped relieve some of the leavity of the Atkins injury.
It looked like ASU was going to punt on their second drive. However, ASU called a Fake Punt. Kyson Brown took the direct snap and carried the ball for a huge gain. It was an amazing call by the coaching staff. It was an aggressive move that paid off that showed ASU was not only here to win, but to dominate.
ASU runs a fake punt, and redshirt senior Kyson Brown gets a gain of 34, putting the Sun Devils in the red zone.
— Inferno Intel (@InfernoIntel) August 31, 2025
TOUCHDOWN SUN DEVILS
— PHNX Sun Devils (@PHNX_SunDevils) August 31, 2025
Jordyn Tyson hauls in the 19-yard TD! pic.twitter.com/i5xDeGDITu
Sam Leavitt and Jordyn Tyson connect for their first touchdown of the year from 19 yards out. The pair is widely considered one of if not the top QB-WR duo in the nation @SunDevilSource pic.twitter.com/nV8ohDM4hv
— Jakob Brooks (@Jakobrooks) August 31, 2025
The excitement continued for the Sun Devils as on the very next play, Sam Leavitt threw a touchdown to wideout Jordyn Tyson. The Tyson-Leavitt connection has been hyped up by a lot of fans, and for a good reason. The two have chemistry, so it was amazing to see it on display early.
There is no two ways to put it, the Sun Devils dominated the first quarter. Not only were they up 14-0, but the Sun Devils looked better in every facet of the game. They had several great physical plays, whether it be runs or tackles.
Pennington couldn't connect with Kolbe Katsis in the end zone. Turnover on downs, Sun Devils ball.
— Matthew Jacobson (@MJacobsonSports) August 31, 2025
2:14 1st#ForksUp @CTreySports pic.twitter.com/HGElxdikFB
ASU’s defense also stopped the NAU offense on fourth and goal. From the first quarter, the Sun Devils looked ready to not only play football, but to win.
We would highly appreciate it if you would discuss your thoughts on how ASU's football did in their first game of the regular season. Additionally, @Kevin Hicks on X to get updates on when new ASU on SI pieces drop!
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