Arizona State Shocks the Big 12: Way-Too-Early Power Rankings Surprise
In a stunning shake-up of expectations, the Arizona State Sun Devils have claimed the number one spot in our Way-Too-Early Big 12 Power Rankings, a move that has sent ripples across college football fandom. The Sun Devils, fresh off their conference transition from the Pac-12 to the newly expanded Big 12, have emerged as a dark horse with the potential to dominate — and this bold forecast might not be as far-fetched as it first appears.
Led by second-year head coach Kenny Dillingham, ASU has shown rapid progress in both recruiting and culture-building. Dillingham, the youngest head coach in the Power Five, has injected a new energy into the program, blending aggressive play-calling with relentless accountability. After a 2024 season that saw flashes of brilliance amid inconsistency, the 2025 squad is loaded with breakout potential.
The offense is expected to be the conference’s most explosive. Quarterback Jaden Rashada returns with a full year of experience and the swagger to match his arm talent. Rashada, once a blue-chip prospect, threw for over 3,000 yards last season despite missing two games. He now has a stronger offensive line and a revamped receiving corps led by junior Elijhah Badger and freshman phenom Kyree Coleman, who turned heads in spring ball with his crisp route running and breakaway speed.
But it’s not just the offense that has analysts taking notice. The defense, long a liability, has undergone a transformation under new defensive coordinator Antonio Pierce. The Sun Devils landed several key transfers, including linebacker Tyren Irby from Ole Miss and cornerback Micah Bell from Notre Dame. Early reports from camp suggest this unit is faster, tougher, and more disciplined — a necessity in a conference known for high-scoring affairs.
ASU’s offseason conditioning program has been lauded by insiders, with several players posting career-best measurables. Strength coach Joe Connolly has emphasized speed, flexibility, and mental resilience, traits that could help the team withstand the grind of a 14-team Big 12.
Skeptics remain, citing ASU’s recent history of underachievement and the volatility of betting on offseason hype. But the Sun Devils’ schedule lines up favorably: early matchups against Houston and Iowa State provide momentum-building opportunities, while key showdowns with Utah and Kansas State come at home in Tempe’s scorching September heat — a factor not to be overlooked.
This projection may seem audacious, even premature. But those close to the program speak of a unified locker room, a sharpened identity, and a hunger to prove that Arizona State belongs not just in the Big 12, but at its pinnacle. If this version of the Sun Devils is for real, then their surprising top spot in the power rankings could look, in hindsight, like the first accurate call of the 2025 season.
