Top 3 Arizona State Football Defensive Players to Watch in the 2025 Season

The Arizona State Sun Devils had one of the Top 40 defenses in college football as they surprised the college football world in 2024.

Last year the Sun Devils were tied for No. 37 in the country in scoring defense, allowing 22.6 points per game. Arizona State was No. 38 in total defense, allowing 339.6 yards per game. On the ground, the Sun Devils allowed 112.9 yards per game, good for No. 21 in FBS. Through the air, Arizona State allowed 226.7 yards per game, No. 81 in FBS.

The Sun Devils have nearly all of their starters back from last year and bolstered parts of the unit through the transfer portal and their freshman class.

Here are three defensive players to keep an eye on for the Arizona State Sun Devils.

DE Clayton Smith

One area where the Sun Devils hope to improve is in the pass rush, where they managed just 24 sacks, which was sixth in the Big 12. Not bad out of 16 teams but it could certainly be better.  

Smith was on last year’s team and returns as their leading sacker with 4.5 last season. He’s one of three returning defensive lineman. If the Sun Devils are going to get better at rushing the passer and completing sacks, Smith will have to lead the way.

Last season was his second straight with 4.5 sacks. It’s time for the 6-foot-5, 24-pound redshirt senior to take it to another level.

LB Jordan Crook

Crook had a fine season for the Sun Devils in 2024, as he finished with 57 total tackles, including 28 solo stops. He also had 3.5 tackles for a loss, broke up two passes and had one interception.

His play got better as the season went on, including a pair of back-to-back 9 tackle performances against UCF and Kansas State. He also had seven tackles against Texas in the College Football Playoff.

Another senior, the speedy linebacker should take a significant step forward in 2025.

CB Javan Robinson

Robinson and fellow junior cornerback Keith Abney II might comprise the best set of cornerbacks in the Big 12.

Both had three interceptions a season ago, but Robinson might have more room to grow. He’s coming off a 43-tackle season, 33 of which were solo. He also had a tackle for loss and three interceptions.

Abney also had three interceptions. Combined, the pair accounted for 95 tackles, six interceptions and 13 pass breakups. Robinson could end up with the better individual season but combined the pair will be a pest to Big 12 wide receivers all season.