TEMPE — Arizona State didn’t just pull off an upset against Texas Tech on Saturday. It made a statement.
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Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Behind a returning Sam Leavitt and a resurgent defense, ASU stunned No. 7 Texas Tech 26-22, handing the Red Raiders their first loss of the season.
As the crowd at Mountain America Stadium rushed the field to celebrate with the players, head coach Kenny Dillingham, tears in his eyes, described the moment as “crazy” before leaving mid-interview to join his team on the field.
After falling out of the AP Top 25 and receiving no votes, Arizona State needed to prove why the Big 12 defending champions still deserve attention.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Cameron Dickey (center) is tackled by the Arizona State Sun Devils defense in the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Sun Devils, now 5-2, entered the game as underdogs after last week’s loss to Utah. That didn’t matter, as the Sun Devils had an answer for a dominant Texas Tech team that was aiming to start 7-0.
In his return from injury, Leavitt completed 28 of 47 passes for 319 yards and one touchdown. Jordyn Tyson caught 10 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown, while Raleek Brown added 19 carries for 69 yards, including the game-winning touchdown in the fourth quarter.
It wasn’t just the offense doing the work.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils running back Raleek Brown (3) celebrates with offensive lineman Josh Atkins (53) and wide receiver Malik McClain (12) after scoring a touchdown against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the fourth quarter at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The entire team made a collective effort to return to the brand of football it knows how to play. The defense recorded two key sacks and an interception that shifted the momentum of the game. Kicker Jose Gomez made all four of his field-goal attempts for 14 points.
It was Arizona State’s first win over a top-10 team since Nov. 23, 2019, when Jayden Daniels led the Sun Devils to a 31-28 victory over Oregon.
A win over a top-10 opponent has helped reenergize Arizona State’s place in the national conversation, something the Sun Devils needed to prove entering Saturday. Even after last week’s blowout loss, they showed why votes don’t define a team, demonstrating how to overcome adversity and bounce back.
DEVILS DO IT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0LD1tzX2mr
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 19, 2025
The Sun Devils look to keep playing their brand of football and use this momentum to fuel them for their next challenge, no matter where the AP Top 25 ranks them.
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
ASU faces Texas Tech with something bigger than rankings to prove
