Sun Devils Prepare to Defend Big 12 Title with Strong Team Bond
The Sun Devils are gearing up for the 2025 football season with high hopes and strong momentum. After winning the Big 12 Championship in their first year in the conference, the team now stands as a frontrunner — a position they’ve never held before.
With just five weeks until the season opener, the Sun Devils are about to begin fall camp. Unlike previous years, they’re not looking to bounce back from a disappointing record — they’re looking to build on a winning culture.
Sun Devils Focus on Team Chemistry
Head coach Kenny Dillingham, entering his third season, says this year feels different. The players already know each other well, and team chemistry is at an all-time high.
“Last year we had to work on building relationships off the field. Now, the guys already hang out and know one another,” Dillingham said.
The Sun Devils return 17 starters along with many key backups. This meant fewer needs in the transfer portal and more consistency in both offensive and defensive systems. The entire coaching staff is back, which will help the team expand on last season’s playbook.
Still Hungry for More
Even after a successful season, the Sun Devils say they aren’t getting comfortable. The team came just one play short of upsetting Texas in a double-overtime College Football Playoff quarterfinal. That close call fuels their drive.
“We’re still hungry,” said senior Myles “Ghost” Rowser, the team’s top tackler from last season. “People might think we’ll get lazy, but we want more after how close we came.”
Senior linebacker Jordan Crook added, “We’re going to be every team’s big game this year. We can’t sneak up on anyone now — we have to be even better.”
New Talent Joins the Sun Devils
Among the newcomers is redshirt freshman wide receiver Jaren Hamilton, a transfer from Alabama. He joined the Sun Devils early and impressed coaches during spring training.
“I noticed right away that there are high standards here,” Hamilton said. “That fits me well because I expect a lot from myself, too.”
Looking Ahead to the Season
The Sun Devils will begin fall camp on July 30, followed by four days of training at Camp Tontozona starting August 6. Fans are invited to watch a scrimmage on August 9.
Coach Dillingham believes this year is about growth: “The players know the system, they’re close as a team. Now we’re asking: how can we be better than last year?”
The Sun Devils kick off the season on August 30 at Mountain America Stadium against Northern Arizona. Their Big 12 campaign begins on September 20 at Baylor.
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