TEMPE – The first US LMB coaches poll has been released for the upcoming college football season, with Arizona State football landing at the 11th spot. ASU finished last season a little higher in the AP poll, ending seventh overall. However, the Sun Devils ranked is still projecting them to return to the college football playoffs. While the poll is a nice gesture, head coach Kenny Dillingham seemingly couldn’t care less about the honor.
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Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his squad during the first day of fall practice in Tempe, Ariz. on July 30, 2025. Syndication: Arizona Republic
Dillingham’s reaction ASU being 11th:
The last time the program was ranked in the preseason poll was back in 2021, where it finished 8-5 and lost the Las Vegas Bowl to Wisconsin. Since Dillingham has taken over ASU, he has carried the mantra of not being concerned with the expectations of those outside of the building. He spoke with reporters about not leading people’s opinions define who the team wants to become.
“Yeah, I mean you’re not gonna like this answer but I couldn’t care less and I have no clue. I’m not a voter, and I don’t really care where people put us. Put us first, put us last, put us in the middle. If we’re so focused on other people’s expectations of us, then you’re gonna limit yourself. Who knows. Are we supposed to win six games, are we supposed to win nine games, or are we supposed to go undefeated? Are we supposed to win zero? Who really knows?”
Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham addresses the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images
Dillingham is ready for him and his team to show up to work and become better. The Sun Devils haven’t had back-to-back winning seasons in six years, but that isn’t the goal for the 35-year-old. Proving last year’s College Football Playoff appearance and Big 12 championship wasn’t a fluke is Dillingham’s top priority.
Many programs have had one-and-done seasons, where it reaches the AP top 10, and then fade out the following season. Dillingham isn’t a fan of continuing that trend with ASU, and to do that, his team will need to focus on itself and not polls.
Dillingham’s local roots could be key for ASU’s continued success
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
