Arizona State Tops Big 12 Power Rankings, But Title Remains Elusive
Arizona State’s football program enters the 2025 season as the favorite to repeat as Big 12 champions, a position solidified by their impressive 2024 campaign and the return of key players. CBS Sports’ Shehan Jeyarajah, in his post-spring power rankings, places the Sun Devils at the top, a position likely to remain until challenged.
Jeyarajah highlights the return of quarterback Sam Leavitt, receiver Jordyn Tyson, and safety Xavion Alford as key factors in Arizona State’s continued success. He notes that the Sun Devils’ 2024 College Football Playoff appearance was ahead of schedule, and the return of several key players suggests a strong possibility of another playoff run. The ability of Kanye Udoh to fill some of the void left by departed running back Cam Skattebo will be crucial to achieving this goal.
Coach Kenny Dillingham’s retention of offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo and defensive coordinator Brian Ward further strengthens the program’s continuity and stability. The running back room, while losing Skattebo, boasts a promising trio in Udoh, Kyson Brown, and Raleek Brown, a group that could thrive with Leavitt’s development and Arroyo’s offensive creativity.
Following Arizona State in the top five of Jeyarajah’s rankings are Texas Tech, BYU, Baylor, and Kansas State. These five teams are generally considered the strongest in the conference, but the unpredictability of college football is evident in Arizona State’s own transformation from perceived underdog to conference champion in 2024.
Key matchups for Arizona State include a September 20th game against Baylor in Waco and an October 18th rematch against Texas Tech in Tempe. Texas Tech handed Arizona State one of their three losses last season.
While Arizona State currently holds the top spot, the Big 12 title is far from guaranteed. The improved overall strength of the conference and several lingering questions about Arizona State’s depth could hinder their quest for a repeat championship. The Sun Devils’ reign as favorites is contingent on maintaining their momentum and overcoming potential challenges throughout the season. Their success hinges on their ability to execute on the field and navigate the complexities of a competitive Big 12 landscape.
