The greatest shock in the year 2024 was delivered to the college football world by Arizona State. In just his second season in charge, senior Dillingham and the Sun Devils won their first-ever Big 12 title in their first year as a member.
Considering the calendar year was an inaugural year, few considered them contenders, much less those slated to win. The challenge exists in cementing that momentum throughout 2025.
Before that 11–3 record and Peach Bowl appearance, that was the competing narrative. A fast rise was birthed out of a significant cultural overhaul around Dillingham’s focus on identity.
The Stars are aligned for Arizona State with the return of seniors Jordyn Tyson and Jalen Moss joining for their first season.
Arizona State stuns college football, clinching Big 12 title in debut season under coach Dillingham.
What Sparked the Cultural Overhaul?
The Sun Devils finished 3-9 in 2023. That season really brought to light leadership gaps and instability.
Come in, Kenny Dillingham. At 33, he became the youngest Power Five head coach. He instilled discipline, unity, and energy. Players were quick to notice the changes.
Dillingham retained the services of coordinators Marcus Arroyo and Brian Ward, on offence and defence, respectively. Keeping the same coordinators gave players and coaches the opportunity to grow within a consistent yet dynamic system.
And 2024 was the start of the payback. Taking down Texas, squeaking by Oklahoma State, and then rolling into the Big 12 final.
Arizona State’s turnaround wasn’t just a fluke. It was a drizzle before a thunderstorm.
Who is Jordyn Tyson and Why Does He Matter?
Transferred in 2023 from Colorado, Jordyn Tyson sat for most of the season with an injury but burst onto the scene in 2024. He rushed ahead of the opposition with 1,101 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.
His route running was perhaps the only one countered by bendy yards after catch. Quarterbacks felt at ease in tight situations, giving him the ball.
His visibility on the field could not be missed. Still bulky.
Tyson missed the season’s final game due to an injury. He is healthy now. Durability is the biggest key.
Everything appears to emanate from him. This, to some extent, placed Tyson squarely into the 2025 list of hopes for Arizona State.
Can the Freshman Transfer Duo Deliver?
Arizona State added serious offensive firepower this offseason. Two freshman wide receivers, Jalen Moss and Jaren Hamilton, came via the transfer portal.
From Fresno State, Moss is blessed with elite-catcher strength. He is at his best in contested catches and red zone situations.
Hamilton from Alabama brings natural speed and separation. He operates upfield, thus creating lanes for others.
With Tyson, it becomes one of the best WR lineups in the Big 12. This group fits Arroyo’s preference for aggressive vertical route concepts perfectly.
If this family gels, the Sun Devils could have the most feared air assault in the conference.
Will Depth Behind Tyson Hold Up?
The wide receiver room, therefore, remains top-heavy. Tyson leads.
Moss and Hamilton have the potential but lack Power Five experience. Depth mattered over an entire season.
Other names to look for are redshirt freshman Malik McClain and sophomore Derek Eusebio. Tight end Chamon Metayer, however, is very much involved.
He offers some blocking ability and short-yardage options of his own. Consistency beyond these guys remains shaky.
Tyson’s injury history underscores that need. Should others show up, Arizona State will keep its defences on their toes.
Is This Program Turnaround Sustainable?
Seventeen starters return for the Sun Devils from their championship squad. They retained both coordinators and their star quarterback, Sam Leavitt.
That’s really rare with today’s portal culture in college football. They held hard-to-expect success in 2024.
Now the expectations are real. No longer underdogs, Arizona State needs to face the pressure.
They open the schedule ranked approximately in the top 10. Big 12 foes such as Kansas State and Utah cannot be expected to let it pass.
That is just one of the challenges that Cam Skattebo’s replacer will face. Here comes sophomore Kanye Udoh.
He flashed on a few occasions last season. If the running game does the job, this team can be back in the playoffs.
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Conclusion
The rebuilding days are over for Arizona State. They are true and complete contenders now.
And with a refuelled receiver room, elite coaching, and an embedded culture, they feel ready.
What lies before them is a test of depth, determination, and belief.
Meanwhile, the Sun Devils have begun rewriting their narrative outright-one snap at a time.
