Nov 1, 2025; Ames, Iowa, USA; Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Tre Bell (7) looks to tackle Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) during the second half at Jack Trice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images Reese Strickland-Imagn Images

Why Arizona State’s Bowl Hopes Haven’t Changed Yet

Originally posted on Arizona State Sun Devils on SI
By Kevin Hicks | Last updated Nov 10, 2025 10:00 AM ET

TEMPE: The stretch run of the 2025 season is now upon the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Kenny Dillingham's third season as head coach of the program is winding down, with only three games remaining on the immediate schedule.

Bowl season will start to become more of a focus in approximately one month, as they officially clinched bowl eligibility last week - now is an ideal time to explore the program's ultimate bowl fate.

ESPN: Different Bowls

Kyle Bonagura: Sun Bowl vs. Wake Forest

Mark Schlabach: Holiday Bowl vs SMU

Nirmalendu Majumdar/Ames Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Wake Forest has seen a surprise resurgence in the first year of the Jake Dickert era - the Demon Deacons now sit at 6-3 after defeating a ranked Virginia team on the road.

While Wake Forest isn't exceptionally explosive on either side of the ball, they find ways to stay in games - they are arguably a small handful of plays away from boasting an 8-1 record this season.

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

As for the Holiday Bowl scenario - SMU has bounced back nicely from an unexpected loss to Wake Forest, and this specific bowl matchup would be one of two CFP teams from the 2024 season. SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings would be seeking to end his 2025 campaign on a high note, while it's unclear what would come of Arizona State's quarterback situation in this scenario.

CBS Sports: Holiday Bowl vs Virginia

Virginia's CFP hopes this season were likely dashed with the loss to Wake Forest on Saturday - now Tony Elliott's program will likely have to settle for one of the stronger non-playoff bowls.

The Sun Devils wouldn't mind playing the Cavaliers, as they should have the advantage at several key spots and also should be able to build a foundation for the 2026 season in a successful manner.

Arizona State on SI: Holiday Bowl vs Washington

This would be the most intriguing matchup by a mile - not only due to Washington's talent level, but also due to what might come in the future.

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Reports surfaced on Saturday that Washington head coach Jedd Fisch is already plotting an exit due to his family being unhappy in the Seattle area. Would a Fisch departure mean that Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. will enter the transfer portal and thus not participate in a potential game against ASU?

It remains to be seen, but this matchup would be incredibly fun if Fisch does indeed opt to stay for another season.

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and three major takeaways following a gutsy win over Iowa State here

This article first appeared on Arizona State Sun Devils on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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