EL PASO — Arizona State’s 2025 season ended in heartbreak, as back-to-back turnovers in the final minutes led to a 42-39 loss to ACC champion Duke in the Sun Bowl.
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Arizona State’s Jalen Moss (18) catches the ball against Duke in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. © Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Sun Devils were in position to close out the game in the fourth quarter after trading scores with the Blue Devils throughout the matchup. However, a fumble deep in their own territory set up Duke’s go-ahead touchdown.
Despite having time left on the clock, a late interception sealed the loss and silenced the maroon and gold in the stands.
Duke’s Nate Sheppard (20) runs the ball during the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl against Arizona State at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. © Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Arizona State’s offense showed resilience all night, responding to Duke scoring drives and refusing to let the game get away. But late miscues in a tight contest ultimately proved to be the difference.
For the Sun Devils, the loss brought a disappointing end to their 2025 campaign, falling short of preseason expectations. The inability to protect the ball in the game’s most critical moments overshadowed one of ASU’s most competitive performances of the season.
Arizona State’s Jalen Moss (18) celebrates his touchdown against Duke in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium in El Paso, Texas, on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025. © Gaby Velasquez/ El Paso Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Quarterback Jeff Sims finished 27 of 36 for 375 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Running back Jason Brown Jr. rushed 12 times for 120 yards, while wide receiver Jalen Moss caught five passes for 129 yards and a touchdown.
A rollercoaster season ended on a bitter note, but Arizona State can use the experience as motivation heading into next year.
Set it off in the end zone 🧨 pic.twitter.com/LLyLoyTV1e
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) December 31, 2025
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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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