Arizona State Football Emerges as College Football Playoff Dark Horse
In a surprising turn, the Arizona State football team smashed expectations in 2024 by grabbing the Big 12 title and landing a spot in the College Football Playoff. Now, heading into the 2026 season, everyone’s asking: Can the Sun Devils pull off another miracle run?
Arizona State isn’t exactly the odds-on favorite this time. BetMGM Sportsbook puts them tied for eighth in the conference odds. Still, at least one college football writer thinks there’s a shot for them to be this year’s dark horse in the Playoff race.
So, what would it take for Arizona State to become a sleeper in the Big 12—or maybe even beyond?
Arizona State’s Unexpected Rise in 2024
Back in 2024, Arizona State football shocked just about everyone by winning the Big 12 and earning a Playoff spot. Not many had them pegged as contenders at the start.
Their run was a blend of sharp coaching, gutsy performances, and, let’s be honest, a little bit of luck. Sometimes that’s just how it goes in college football.
The Role of Coaching and Strategy
Head coach Kenny Dillingham was at the heart of the turnaround. He brought some fresh ideas and wasn’t afraid to change things up on the fly.
Dillingham pushed for a balanced offense and didn’t neglect the defense either. That approach helped them survive a tough Big 12 slate.
Key Player Contributions
A few players really stepped up that year. The quarterback kept his cool and led by example.
On defense, they made the stops when it mattered. It wasn’t any one star—it was a team effort that made the difference.
2026 Season: Can Lightning Strike Twice?
Looking at 2026, Arizona State has a tough road if they want to repeat that magic. They aren’t on many people’s shortlists for the Big 12 crown.
But hey, that’s not to say it’s impossible. There are reasons to think they could surprise people again.
Challenges and Opportunities
One big challenge? Roster turnover. They’ve lost a lot of last year’s core.
They’re banking on a strong group of transfers to step in and fill gaps. That’s always a gamble—sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
If these new faces can mesh quickly and play at a high level, the Sun Devils might have a shot to shake things up.
Strengths to Watch
Even with all the changes, there are a few things working in Arizona State’s favor:
- Experienced Coaching Staff: Dillingham and his crew have shown they know how to get the most out of their guys.
- Strong Offensive Line: The O-line’s been retooled, and if they gel, they’ll give the offense some breathing room.
- Skilled Transfer Class: The incoming transfers bring a solid mix of experience and raw talent.
Big 12 Landscape and Competitors
The Big 12 isn’t getting any easier. Arizona State will have to deal with some real heavyweights if they want to make another run.
Here are the main teams standing in their way for 2026:
Texas Tech
Texas Tech is the clear favorite, even without star Brendan Sorsby. Their roster is deep, and the coaching staff seems to have things figured out.
Brigham Young (BYU)
BYU’s ranked No. 15 and always seems to be in the mix. They’ve been consistent lately and aren’t going to roll over for anyone.
Utah and Houston
Utah (No. 21) and Houston (No. 24) are both solid. Both have good coaches and plenty of talent—definitely not easy outs for Arizona State.
Arizona State’s Path to Success
If Arizona State wants to repeat their 2024 magic, a lot of things need to go right. Integrating new players fast and keeping the energy up all season will be crucial.
Key Games to Watch
There are a few games on the schedule that could make or break their season:
- Texas Tech: Beating the favorite would send a message to the rest of the conference.
- BYU: This one’s a big test—can Arizona State hang with the top dogs?
- Utah and Houston: Wins here would prove they belong in the title conversation.
The Importance of Consistency
Consistency’s going to be everything. Arizona State can’t afford to slip or get complacent if they want to stay in the hunt.
It’ll take strong leadership and a real commitment from everyone on the roster. Let’s see if they’re up for it.
Conclusion: A Season of Possibilities
The 2026 season looks like it’s going to be a wild ride for Arizona State football. There are some real challenges ahead, but also plenty of opportunities.
Honestly, the team isn’t the favorite to win the Big 12 right now. Still, you can’t just ignore their potential as a dark horse.
They’ve got a solid coaching staff in place. The transfer class is impressive, and the offensive line has been reworked.
After what happened in 2024, it’s tough to ever count out Arizona State. Want to dig deeper into their journey? Check out the full article on Arizona State football among College Football Playoff dark-horse teams.
