TEMPE — Arizona State dropped one spot in the AP Top 25 rankings despite defeating Northern Arizona 38-19 in ASU’s home opener Saturday.
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Arizona State running back Raleek Brown (3) hurdles NAU linebacker Ramere Davis (43) during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 30, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Sun Devils slipped from No. 11 to No.12 this week. Although the score reflected a dominant showing from the team, it was ASU’s 12 penalties for 93 yards that ultimately hindered the overall performance.
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt sparked the offense in the second half with touchdown runs of 52 and 18 yards. He threw for 257 yards and added two passing touchdowns.
However, even Leavitt’s performance wasn’t enough for the Sun Devils to remain at No. 11.
Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) scores a touchdown against NAU during a game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 30, 2025. © Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Some ASU fans acknowledged the team’s effort against NAU wasn’t its best, with some agreeing the drop in the rankings was justified.
I’m a diehard ASU fan since 1968 but they better have a better outing than last week. Way too many penalties and missed opportunities especially 3rd and 4th down conversions. Go Devils!
— David Zucker (@TXdvsz) September 2, 2025
Honestly I expected worse so dropping one spot ain’t bad
— Kellan Dew (@dew_kellan1) September 2, 2025
Honestly after how we played NAU, I’m shocked it’s not more than one spot lol good humbling moment for Arizona state. https://t.co/qg67Ei2dCb
— Amb ⚡️👸🏻 (@ambowski) September 2, 2025
Fair tbh. “4 teams lost in the top 10 this week” was a dumb narrative considering we couldn’t dominate NAU the way we should’ve. https://t.co/ntB1pJaPRb
— OG🌵🔱 (@SadAZYotesFan) September 2, 2025
However, other Sun Devil fans were left confused about how a win led the team to slip in the rankings.
lol we win and fall a spot, that’s comedy https://t.co/7ptKOhnmBx
— Tino (@Tinobambino16) September 2, 2025
Arizona State didn’t play a perfect game, but the Sun Devils didn’t deserve to fall in the rankings.
Let’s talk about it!
📺: https://t.co/YeoLMpHKuu https://t.co/SPJoLxczg2— Anthony Totri (@Anthony_Totri) September 2, 2025
Arizona State Sun Devils defensive lineman Anthonie Cooper (96) celebrates his interception against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks during a football game at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Aug. 30, 2025. © Cheryl Evans/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
ASU has an opportunity to climb back up the rankings and silence critics as they go on the road to face Mississippi State on Saturday, Sept. 6.
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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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