Arizona State University’s unexpected journey in their inaugural Big 12 football season has captured the attention of college football enthusiasts. Against all odds, ASU finds itself on the brink of a historic achievement, vying for the Big 12 Championship against Iowa State this Saturday. Victory in this clash would propel them into the College Football Playoff, offering a shot at the national title.
Chris Karpman, publisher of Sun Devil Source for 247 Sports, shared insights on ASU’s remarkable season and their surprising rise to prominence in the conference.
Surpassing Expectations
CHRIS KARPMAN: It’s a huge surprise, especially when measured against preseason expectations. ASU was 16th in the preseason Big 12 media poll. This is the biggest year-over-year improvement in ASU football history in the win column. And also this team has achieved the most one-score wins, right or fewer points, with six in history, dating to 1897. That could never have been expected.
Last season, ASU’s record stood at 3-9. The team, led by a redshirt freshman quarterback, defied the odds to secure a spot in the championship game, marking an incredible turnaround.
The Winning Formula
KARPMAN: Well, Kenny Dillingham, their coach who just won Big 12 coach of the year, preached the importance of turnover margin throughout the off-season from spring ball into preseason camp, and ASU ended up tied for first in the Big 12 in that category. The top four teams in the conference are, are the top four teams in turnover margin.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Levitt was instrumental, throwing only five interceptions, the fewest among regular starters in the conference. Senior running back Cam Skattebo shone brightly, supported by an improved offensive line and wide receiver Jordan Tyson, who eased Levitt’s transition into college football.
ASU’s defense complemented their offensive efforts, with a focus on avoiding big plays and maintaining a solid team approach.
Looking Ahead
KARPMAN: Well, two-thirds of their starters have remaining eligibility, including some of their best players. They’re gonna have to replace Cam Skattebo. I think there’s a really good chance that they’re, that they appeal to a lot of the higher profile runningbacks that end up in the transfer portal. And then I think also they should have in Sam Levitt and Jordan Tyson one of the best quarterback-wide receiver duos in the country next year because both of those guys are underclassmen. That, that’s a remarkable thing that you can build around.
The team will bid farewell to key players, including Skattebo, all-conference center Leif Fautanu, and defensive standout Shamari Simmons. However, ASU is well-positioned for future success with emerging talents like Levitt and Tyson.
The NIL Factor
KARPMAN: That’s one of the most impressive aspects of what they’ve accomplished because ASU’s roster probably cost around $3 million, according to sources, in NIL, this year, which is far less than most of the teams that are ranked in the top 15 of the CFP. Most of those teams are $10 million up to $20 million or more in some cases, Ohio State’s athletic director said that, that that team’s roster was around $20 million. For Oregon is also in, in that range. The next year will be quite a lot different though because teams will be able to pay players directly following this House v. NCAA settlement.
Despite financial limitations in the NIL landscape, ASU has navigated recruiting and player retention successfully, setting a foundation for sustained competitiveness.
A Historic Game
KARPMAN: 2013, Arizona State hosted Stanford in the Pac-12 conference championship. So I would say that that’s, the, the biggest game since then, but you could potentially given the CFP ramifications, say that this is the biggest game since the 1996 Rose Bowl season, when ASU had a chance if a couple other things fell right Including I believe Florida versus Florida State that year coupled with had ASU beaten Ohio State. It could have been national champions. So we’re talking about something that’s happened at ASU once or twice over the last 30 years.
As ASU prepares for this pivotal match, hopes are high for a continuation of their extraordinary season. The game against Iowa State is not only a chance for glory but also a testament to how far the program has come under the leadership of head coach Kenny Dillingham.
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