What Happened to Arizona State Sun Devils football?

The Arizona State Sun Devils football program has navigated a tumultuous yet ultimately revitalizing period, marked by NCAA sanctions, a significant coaching change, and a pivotal conference realignment. The program faced a multi-year NCAA investigation stemming from Level I recruiting violations that occurred during the COVID-19 dead period under former head coach Herm Edwards. These violations, which included impermissible in-person contacts, inducements, and tampering, led to a negotiated resolution in April 2024. As a result, ASU received a 'mitigated' classification due to its cooperation and self-imposed penalties, which included a four-year probation, a fine, a self-imposed postseason ban for the 2023 season, scholarship reductions, and recruiting restrictions.

Amidst the NCAA cloud, Arizona State made a significant leadership change, hiring alumnus Kenny Dillingham as its 26th head coach on November 27, 2022. Dillingham, then the youngest Power Five head coach, inherited a program facing challenges, evidenced by a 3-9 record in his inaugural 2023 season. However, his tenure quickly saw a dramatic shift in fortunes. The 2024 season, the Sun Devils' first in the Big 12 Conference, was described as a "dream season," culminating in a Big 12 title and the program's first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. This rapid turnaround invigorated the fan base and demonstrated Dillingham's impact.

The momentum continued into the 2025 season, where the Sun Devils posted an 8-5 overall record and a 6-3 conference record in the Big 12, remaining in contention for the conference title until late in the season before losing the Sun Bowl to Duke. Dillingham's success led to a substantial contract extension, reportedly agreed upon in December 2025 and approved in February 2026. The new deal extends through 2030, with triggers that could push it to 2035, and increased his base salary to $6.4 million in 2026. Crucially, the contract also significantly boosted the salary pool for assistant coaches to $11 million, signaling a strong institutional commitment to the football program.

As of August 24, 2026, the Arizona State program is actively preparing for the upcoming season with high expectations. The coaching staff remains largely intact, with key promotions and additions like Bryan Carrington to assistant head coach and Demetrice Martin as a defensive analyst. The team has been highly active in the transfer portal, securing commitments from promising players such as Kentucky quarterback Cutter Boley, who is expected to be the starter for 2026, and several impact wide receivers and defensive backs. While the team recently faced a setback with Arkansas transfer DB Nigel Pringle being ruled out for the 2026 season due to injury, the secondary is still anticipated to be a strength. The 2026 recruiting class also features notable talents like four-star quarterback Jake Fette, further solidifying the program's future. The Sun Devils' strong performance in recent years and their strategic moves in coaching, recruiting, and player development position them as a competitive force in the Big 12.