Overview

• ESPN’s Rece Davis predicts Arizona State will defend its Big 12 title and return to the College Football Playoff, stressing the need to keep winning one-possession games in a parity-heavy league.
• Kenny Dillingham said on ESPN that no previous repeat bid had Sam Leavitt at quarterback, after Leavitt posted 2,885 passing yards, 24 TDs, 6 INTs and added 443 rushing yards with 5 TDs in 2024.
• Continuity features prominently: Phil Steele’s metrics highlight ASU’s experience, including 111 career offensive-line starts, roughly 79% returning production and 74% of defensive tackles back.
• A key variable is replacing star running back Cam Skattebo, now with the New York Giants, as analysts also note injuries, pressure and late-game execution as swing factors.
• Dillingham’s “Activate the Valley” initiative is fueling attendance, with 7,700–7,800 new season-ticket holders, a reported 98% renewal rate and an expected 14,000 students for Saturday’s opener vs. Northern Arizona.