Arizona State receives significant 2025 boost with key playmaker's announcement

Arizona State is set to lose outstanding running back Cameron Skattebo to the NFL Draft, which will put more pressure on 2024 redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Leavitt.

Tyson's announcement should help as Arizona State potentially opens its passing game more in Leavitt's second season as the team's starter.

This season, Leavitt was 215-of-350 (61.4 percent) for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Skattebo was the team's engine, leading the Big 12 in rushing yards (1,711) and total touches (338) while finishing fifth in Heisman voting.

Tyson's return is also significant for a team that ranked 38th in On3's transfer portal team rankings, adding six three-star prospects while losing 15. The Sun Devils are also eighth in the Big 12 in 247Sports' high-school recruiting rankings.

Arizona State will rely on its returning talent to stay atop the conference.

Tyson and Leavitt aren't the only Sun Devils coming back. Earlier this month, safety Xavion Alford announced that he'd be back in 2025. Per Sun Devils beat reporter Anthony Totri, the Sun Devils should have 15 of their 22 starters from this season on the 2025 roster.

That continuity should help Arizona State defend its Big 12 title next season.