Overview
- Kickoff is Wednesday, Dec. 31 at 2 p.m. ET at the Sun Bowl in El Paso, with the game airing on CBS.
- Kenny Dillingham said 19 two‑deep Sun Devils will be out due to injuries, opt‑outs and transfers, and coaches expect heavy reliance on first‑time starters at several spots.
- Arizona State will start Jeff Sims at quarterback after Sam Leavitt’s season‑ending foot injury and entry into the transfer portal.
- Duke, the ACC champion, will have quarterback Darian Mensah, who confirmed he will play and return in 2026, though the Blue Devils will be without Brian Parker II, Vincent Anthony Jr. and Chandler Rivers.
- Oddsmakers and expert picks lean toward Duke, and Arizona State recently extended Dillingham on a five‑year deal as the program navigates significant departures.