PHOENIX – Arizona State football is coming off its best season in over a decade. ASU was the preseason pick to finish last in its inaugural season in the Big 12 and responded with the program’s first College Football berth. The Sun Devils had a respectable showing against the Texas Longhorns, losing in overtime. Now, the question arises if ASU can repeat last year’s success or prove the doubters correct that it is a fluke. ESPN writer Bill Connelly believes it’s likely with the Sun Devils as the second-best team in the FBS in returning production for 2025.
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Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) and Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham walk off the field after Texas won 39-31 in double overtime in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl in Atlanta on Jan. 1, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Connelly noted that ASU has a 79% returning production percentage, second being 81% Clemson. Head coach Kenny Dillingham keeps a majority of his tools on offense, headed by redshirt sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt. Dillingham asked a lot of his quarterback, but Leavitt continuously provided and had a generational debut season for the Sun Devils. PFF has Leavitt as the third best-returning quarterback next year and will lead ASU’s returners to continue its success.
ESPN noted that only 23 out of 398 FBS teams have had the same or better production than the Sun Devils in the past three years. ASU is in elite company heading into next season, which is odd considering the departure of its star running back Cam Skattebo.
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cam Skattebo (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Leif Fautanu (79) after scoring a touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Skattebo was a top-five Heisman finalist and rushed for over 1,700 yards, earning an invite to the NFL draft combine. His sensational senior season will have him play on Sundays but will hurt ASU heading into 2025. However, an essential part of the Sun Devils and Leavitt’s success next season will rely on the shoulders of junior wide receiver Jordyn Tyson.
Nov 30, 2024; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) celebrates a touchdown against the Arizona Wildcats in the first half during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
PFF has Tyson as the third-best returning receiver, and it’s not hard to see why. In the final seven weeks, Tyson led the nation in receiving yards and could’ve lifted ASU past Texas if not injured. Regardless, Leavitt and Tyson figured out their connection, making Connelly believe this team will not be in many close games next season.
Arizona State’s Skattebo skipping a majority of the drills at NFL Combine
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
