TEMPE — Arizona State has landed a major commitment in the 2027 recruiting cycle, adding a significant piece to a program entering a new era.
Carson Crawford, the No. 46 player in ESPN’s SC Next 100 for the Class of 2027, has committed to ASU, according to ESPN’s Paul Biancardi.
Breaking: Carson Crawford, the No. 46 ranked player in the SC Next 100 for the Class of 2027, has committed to Arizona State, he tells ESPN’s @PaulBiancardi. pic.twitter.com/Txa4gS705S
— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) September 2, 2026
Impact Christian’s Wendy Lagos (5) and Fleming Island’s Carson Crawford (1) vie for the ball during the fourth quarter of a high school boys basketball matchup, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at Imact Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Fla. Imact Christian defeated Fleming Island 73-53. Credits: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The 6-foot-7 forward from Fleming Island High School in Florida is coming off a productive junior season in which he averaged 17.2 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, according to MaxPreps. Crawford has built a reputation as a versatile two-way player, with the size and athleticism to make an impact around the basket while continuing to expand his perimeter shooting.
His defensive versatility could come in handy for the Sun Devils. His length allows him to defend multiple positions, while his rebounding, transition play and ability to finish around the rim give him several ways to be effective without needing the ball in his hands.
Feb 3, 2024; Spokane, Washington, USA; St. Mary’s Gaels head coach Randy Bennett looks on against the Gonzaga Bulldogs in the first half at McCarthey Athletic Center. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
The commitment is one of several moves ushering in a new chapter for the program, and adding a highly touted prospect is another sign of that change. Under new head coach Randy Bennett, who spent 25 seasons at Saint Mary’s, Arizona State has a coach with a reputation for player development, consistency and maximizing talent.
Crawford’s decision suggests those qualities are already resonating on the recruiting trail.
The Sun Devils are looking to rebound from a 17-16 season in 2025-26, including a 7-11 record in their Big 12 campaign. Bennett has moved quickly to reshape the roster through the transfer portal while establishing his recruiting foundation for future seasons.
Fleming Island Golden Eagles w Carson Crawford (1) makes a layup over Pembroke Pines Charter guard Adam Starr (1) during fourth period of the FHSAA Class 5A boys basketball final at UNF Arena in Jacksonville, Fla. Friday March 13, 2026. [Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union]
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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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