What Arizona State's Identity Should Be in 2026

Arizona State on SI makes the case below for why the Sun Devils should commit to a particular mindset during the 2026 campaign.

Arizona State Should Embrace Offense-Centric Mindset

Arizona State's approach of limiting mistakes, making the most of opportunities on both sides of the ball, and playing relentlessly has defined the first three years of the Dillingham era. These principles need to be continued, but also should be tweaked for this specific season.

Arizona State's offense has flashed moments of brilliance in 2024/25 but has been unable to consistently become self-sufficient, which has often forced the defense to carry the burden when not clicking. The same was true on the inverse side of everything - complementary football wasn't in the cards very often.

This isn't to say that Arizona State should completely abandon efforts to put forth an aggressive defense that limits the possessions the opponent receives, but there's far too much elite offensive infrastructure to play it safe in a crucial season.

Omarion Miller and Reed Harris come into the new season as two of the most dynamic playmakers in the entire FBS, which automatically gives Dillingham/OC Marcus Arroyo an incentive to expand the scope of the offense. The duo is complemented by a burly, physical tight end room and perhaps the deepest running back room in place since Shaun Aguano took over in Tempe in 2019.

The two question marks - offensive line and quarterback - should be looked at through a positive lens, as the coaching staff has proven to be reliable in virtually every facet, especially in player development.

The pieces are in place for Arizona State's offense to finally establish itself as the best in the Big 12 - ultimately, the unit will depend on the offensive line and whoever starts at quarterback to reach the heights they are capable of. Dillingham should put faith in presumed starting QB Cutter Boley and the diverse assortment of weapons in this process.