Honestly, if you looked at the state of Tempe a few years ago, you probably wouldn't have bet on this. People were writing off the Arizona State Sun Devils as a program stuck in the mud, trapped by NCAA investigations and a Pac-12 conference that was literally disintegrating.
But things changed fast.
The move to the Big 12 wasn't just a survival tactic; it was a total cultural reset. While everyone was busy mourning the "Conference of Champions," the Sun Devils were quietly building something that actually fits the modern, gritty reality of college sports. It's not always pretty, but it's working.
The Dillingham Effect and the 2025 Reality Check
When Kenny Dillingham took the job, he talked a big game about "activating the Valley." Most people thought it was just coach-speak. Then 2025 happened.
🔗 Read more: When Do Chiefs and Bills Play: The Mahomes-Allen Rivalry Schedule You Need
Coming off an 8-5 season in 2025, the vibe around Mountain America Stadium has shifted from "hope we don't lose by 30" to "who are we beating next?" Dillingham is a hometown guy, and he coaches like he’s got a personal grudge against anyone who doubts ASU. He’s been relentless. Last year's run to the Sun Bowl—even with that tough 42-39 loss to Duke—proved the floor of this program has been raised.
The 2026 transfer portal cycle has been wild. Losing a guy like Sam Leavitt was a gut punch for fans, no doubt. But Dillingham didn't sit around. Bringing in Cutter Boley from Kentucky and getting Mikey Keene to return home to the Valley shows that ASU is now a destination for talent, not just a place where players leave.
It’s about the "X" factor. Getting Omarion Miller out of the portal is a massive win. He’s a top-10 portal guy who averaged over 18 yards a catch last year despite some truly questionable QB play at his last stop. Put him in Marcus Arroyo’s offense with a 6-foot-5 target like Reed Harris, and suddenly the Sun Devils have a vertical threat that most Big 12 secondaries aren't ready to handle.
Why the Big 12 Transition Felt So Natural
You’d think moving to a conference with teams in West Virginia and Florida would be a nightmare. Kinda the opposite.
The Big 12 fits the Arizona State Sun Devils' recruiting footprint perfectly. Think about it:
- Texas is wide open: A quarter of the Big 12 is in Texas. Dillingham is leaning into this, pulling kids from the Longhorn State who want to play in a league where their parents can actually drive to the games.
- The Wrestling Factor: Zeke Jones is probably the happiest guy on campus. In the Pac-12, the wrestling team was begging elite schools to travel to Tempe. Now? They’re regularly squaring off against powerhouses like Iowa State and Oklahoma State. It's a "steel sharpens steel" situation.
- The Commissioner’s Cup: ASU didn't just join the Big 12; they started winning it. Taking home the first-ever Big 12 Commissioner’s Cup was a statement that this isn't just a football school.
The NIL "Arms Race" in Tempe
Let's be real for a second. In 2026, you don't win without cash.
Dillingham hasn't been shy about this. He famously asked for the "really rich" people in Phoenix to step up, and it seems like they’re starting to listen. The NIL landscape at ASU is shifting from "let's see what happens" to a structured business model.
The Sun Devil Athletics department recently reported a $99.5 million economic impact on the state. That’s huge leverage. When Graham Rossini talks about the program being an "economic engine," he’s not just talking about ticket sales. He’s talking about the viability of the entire athletic brand in a world where players expect—and deserve—to be paid their market value.
What Most People Get Wrong About ASU Basketball
While football gets the headlines, Bobby Hurley’s squad is in a weird spot. The 2024-25 season was a grind, finishing 13-20. The Big 12 is a meat grinder for basketball. There are no "off" nights.
But look at the roster for 2025-26. You’ve got young talent like Joson Sanon and Jayden Quaintance (a top-10 recruit) who chose Tempe over traditional blue bloods. The defensive ratings were rough last year, but the length on this new roster is different. They’re faster. They’re longer. If Hurley can get the chemistry right, they won't be finishing 15th in the conference again.
Olympic Sports: The Silent Powerhouse
If you only follow football, you’re missing half the story.
ASU Men’s Swimming won the national title in 2024, and the momentum hasn't stopped. They’re producing Olympians at a rate that most pro teams would envy—over 180 Sun Devil Olympians have competed throughout history.
Then there’s the wrestling program. With Nicco Ruiz coming off a solid season and a massive 14-man signing class, Zeke Jones has the Sun Devils poised for a top-10 national finish. They’re not just participating in the Big 12; they’re terrifying the established programs.
What’s Next for the Sun Devils?
The "rebuild" phase is officially over. We’re in the "results" phase now.
To stay competitive in the Big 12, the Arizona State Sun Devils have to solve the consistency problem. You can’t beat a ranked Utah team one week and then struggle with turnovers in the Territorial Cup. The talent is there. The coaching staff is settled. The money is flowing in.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Investors:
- Watch the QB Battle: Keep a close eye on the spring ball reports regarding Cutter Boley and Mikey Keene. The winner of this battle determines the ceiling for 2026.
- Support the NIL Collectives: If you want to see ASU compete with the likes of Kansas or Utah in the "arms race," local business partnerships are the only way forward.
- Attend the Non-Revenue Sports: The economic impact of hockey and gymnastics is growing. These events are becoming the backbone of the Tempe sports scene.
The Sun Devils are no longer the "sleeping giant" of the Southwest. They're wide awake, and they're finally starting to realize just how much noise they can make in their new home.
Check the spring roster updates and lock in your season tickets early, because the 2026 season is shaping up to be the most expensive—and most exciting—ticket in town.