TEMPE — One week after not receiving votes on the AP Top 25, Arizona State has made its way back to the national conversation.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Cameron Dickey (8) against the Arizona State Sun Devils in the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Sun Devils landed at No. 24 in the latest Top 25 poll after defeating the previously ranked No. 7 Texas Tech, 26-22, on Saturday afternoon. ASU’s victory was a quick turnaround after its disappointing loss to Utah on Oct. 11, 42-10.
Arizona State’s resurgence showcases the team’s resilience and the culture it has built under head coach Kenny Dillingham. His message of accountability and belief has helped the roster mature under scrutiny.
Dillingham was adamant about making practices leading up to Saturday’s game more physical after seeing the team lack that edge in the loss to Utah.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders wide receiver Caleb Douglas (5) is tackled by Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Keith Abney II (1) and linebacker Jordan Crook (8) in the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
“You have to have more fun working harder than anybody in the country,” Dillingham said post-game, according to Sun Devil Source’s Jakob Brooks. “I lost that. We will never ever not practice to the physical level we did this week again.”
The change in practice paid off against Texas Tech.
The Sun Devils surrendered 42 points to Utah, but against the Red Raiders, they held them scoreless for two quarters. Arizona State also led in total yards, 394–276, and time of possession, 37:12 to 22:48.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jaren Hamilton (16) runs the ball against diving Texas Tech Red Raiders safety Brenden Jordan in the first half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
While the victory lifted spirits across the team, the next challenge is maintaining that momentum against their next opponent. A resilient win is a start, but Dillingham isn’t looking for just one.
“We don’t win this game if we beat Utah,” he said. “… We were so embarrassed that our guys had a different level of intensity. Now the challenge is, can we continue to have it?”
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Martell Hughes (18) celebrates an interception with teammates Keith Abney II (1) and Justin Wodtly (95) against the Texas Tech Red Raiders in the second half at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
ASU’s rise from unranked to No. 24 tells the story of a team rediscovering its foundation and execution. At 5-2, the Sun Devils have become a target in the national conversation.
It’s up to them to decide whether that spotlight will be short-lived or something that lasts.
SUN DEVIL NATION. pic.twitter.com/WG8NPI47RJ
— Sun Devil Football (@ASUFootball) October 19, 2025
Arizona State’s next game will be against the Houston Cougars on Saturday, Oct. 25, at 5 p.m.
*Get the BEST Phoenix sports insider information, and exclusive content. SIGN UP HERE to unlock our premium content!*
Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
