If you had Arizona State sitting at the top of the Big 12 standings after September on your bingo card, you're either a liar or Kenny Dillingham’s mom. Honestly, the way the Arizona State vs TCU football matchup shook out recently has changed the entire vibe of the conference. People are starting to realize that the Sun Devils aren't just "scrappy"—they're actually dangerous.
For a long time, this wasn't even a rivalry. It was just two teams in different time zones that occasionally bumped into each other in a random bowl game. Now? It’s a Friday night fistfight that might just decide who gets to play for a trophy in Arlington.
The Night Everything Changed in Tempe
Let’s talk about that September 26 showdown. Mountain America Stadium was absolutely rocking, and for a while, it looked like the TCU Horned Frogs were going to suck the air right out of the desert. Sonny Dykes had his guys humming early. They jumped out to a 17-0 lead, and if you were a Sun Devil fan, you were probably looking for the nearest exit or at least a very stiff drink.
But then Sam Leavitt happened.
Leavitt isn't just a quarterback; he's a headache for defensive coordinators. He finished that game with 278 yards through the air and a couple of touchdowns, but it was his legs that really broke TCU’s spirit. He kept plays alive when they should’ve been dead. You’ve got to admire the kid’s grit. He hooked up with Jordyn Tyson—who is basically a human highlight reel—for a 57-yard bomb that flipped the momentum completely.
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By the time Jesus Gomez stepped up for that 23-yard field goal with 1:14 left, the comeback felt inevitable. ASU walked away with a 27-24 win, leaving the No. 24 ranked Horned Frogs wondering what just hit them.
By the Numbers: Arizona State vs TCU Football History
It’s weird to think that before the Big 12 expansion, these two hardly ever saw each other.
- First Ever Meeting: September 21, 1974 (TCU won 37-7, a blowout that feels like ancient history).
- The 2025 Clash: ASU 27, TCU 24.
- The Run Game: In their most recent battle, Raleek Brown shredded the grass for 147 yards.
- Defensive Lockdown: TCU’s run game was held to—wait for it—just 10 yards on 25 carries. That’s not a typo.
The "Dilly" Effect vs the Dykes System
Kenny Dillingham is doing something special in Tempe. He’s got this "CEO" vibe that Sports Illustrated recently broke down, focusing on the culture rather than just the X’s and O’s. He’s loud, he’s energetic, and he actually seems to like being there. That matters.
On the other side, Sonny Dykes is an offensive mastermind. We saw what he did in 2022, taking TCU to the national title game. But right now, the Horned Frogs are hitting some speed bumps. They’ve got the talent—players like David Punch and Noah Reynolds are legit—but the consistency just isn't there yet.
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The contrast is wild. You have ASU, a team that was picked to finish near the bottom of the league, playing with house money. Then you have TCU, a program with recent "Blue Blood" adjacent success, trying to reclaim its spot at the top. When these two systems clash, it’s basically an explosion of big plays and "wait, what just happened?" moments.
Why This Matchup Matters for the Big 12
The Big 12 is wide open. With Oklahoma and Texas gone, there’s a power vacuum. This Arizona State vs TCU football game wasn't just a one-off; it was a statement. It proved that the "new" Big 12 is going to be won by whoever survives the Friday and Saturday night grinders.
TCU is still a powerhouse, don't get it twisted. They bounced back and beat USC in the Alamo Bowl recently in a 30-27 thriller. They know how to win big games. But ASU has proven they are no longer a "get-right" game for the big boys.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Sun Devils
There’s this narrative that ASU is just a "transfer portal team." People think Dillingham just threw a bunch of mercenaries together and hoped for the best.
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Actually, it’s the development of guys like Leavitt and Tyson that’s making the difference. Tyson is already being projected as a top-tier 2026 NFL Draft pick. He’s not just a portal add; he’s the cornerstone of an offense that is becoming increasingly hard to scout.
And let's talk about the defense. Holding a TCU team to 10 yards rushing? That’s not luck. That’s guys like Prince Dorbah getting into the backfield and causing absolute chaos.
Actionable Insights for the Next Matchup
If you’re looking ahead to the next time these two meet, here’s what you need to keep an eye on:
- Watch the Trenches: TCU has struggled with size in the rotation (especially in their basketball crossover, but it applies to the football interior too). If ASU’s offensive line gives Leavitt more than three seconds, it’s game over.
- The "Third Quarter" Slump: TCU has a habit of letting leads slip. If they don't fix their second-half adjustments, they’ll keep getting "Sun Deviled."
- Home Field Advantage: Tempe is becoming one of the hardest places to play in the country again. That desert heat and the late-night starts are a nightmare for visitors.
To stay ahead of the curve on this budding rivalry, start tracking the 2026 recruiting classes for both schools. Dillingham is currently winning the "vibe" battle on the recruiting trail, but Dykes has the deeper pockets and the Dallas-Fort Worth talent pool to draw from. Check the updated Big 12 injury reports every Thursday, as the physical toll of these games has been massive for both rosters. If you're betting or just playing fantasy, always lean toward the home team in this specific series—the travel and atmosphere have swung the last three outcomes.