TEMPE — Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham appeared on ESPN’s “CFB Countdown” on Saturday morning to discuss what he believes is most important for his ASU team this season: creating memories.
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Dec 7, 2024; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham celebrates with offensive lineman Leif Fautanu (79) during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dillingham, who is entering his third season as head coach, led ASU to a Big 12 Conference Championship last year. This year, the Sun Devils have bigger expectations after being ranked No. 11 by the AP’s Preseason Top 25 Poll.
Despite the increase in national attention, Dillingham wants his players to continue to remember that they’re not only playing for wins, but to have fun on and off the field.
“People forget they are living out their dream,” Dillingham said. “Getting to play a game with a group of people they will remember forever and moments they will remember forever.”
Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) jumps into the arms of head coach Kenny Dillingham after the Sun Devils upset No. 16 Utah Utes 27-19 at Mountain America Stadium. © Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
ASU sophomore quarterback Sam Leavitt also joined the panel, saying he felt his understanding of the game had grown during the offseason. Leavitt said that Dillingham has challenged the team to play with more passion and energy, while moving on from last year.
“We’re probably more talented than we were last year, but are we gonna play as hard as we did?” the ASU quarterback said. “Are we gonna play like a family? You know, approach every day like we did last year. That’s the biggest thing.”
ICYMI, @KennyDillingham & @S_leav10 joined CFB Countdown on @espn this morning!
Watch the full segment ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/zhtHebMZ4M
— Arizona State Sun Devils (@TheSunDevils) August 23, 2025
As Arizona State prepares for another season filled with expectations, Dillingham’s message to his team is to cherish the moments and to play with purpose.
Jan 1, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; The Arizona State Sun Devils run onto the field before the Peach Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
ASU begins its season at home against Northern Arizona University on Saturday, Aug. 30.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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