The Arizona State Stars Viewed As NFL Prospects

TEMPE -- The "pro model" hasn't always worked from within the Arizona State football program - fans know this all too well.

It appears as if that script has flipped under Kenny Dillingham, as numerous players have emerged as legitimate NFL prospects, while also winning a high volume of games in the process.

Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus has certainly bought into the pro upside that the roster holds - as he has named five players from the 2025 team to the 2026 NFL draft big board.

#5 Prospect - Jordyn Tyson

This is self explanatory. Tyson is an elite prospect position specific or not. The junior has improved in virtually every tangible area over the last two seasons and is very likely to be selected inside of the top 10 of April's draft.

#64 - Keith Abney II

csss — Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Keith Abney II (1) celebrates a play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Abney has worked his way into being one of the better cornerback prospects come April.

Although the junior is considered "undersized" relative to a traditional outside corner, he more than makes up for it with his work ethic, the way he plays, and the film that is put out. Few players at the position are stickier in coverage, provide the same run support, or can take an opposing receiver out of the game quite like Abney.

#79 - C.J. Fite

Arizona State defensive linemen Ramar Williams (55), CJ Fite (99) and Manamo’ui Muti (52) take a breath during the first day of fall practice in Tempe, Ariz. on July 30, 2025. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Fite has been a darling amongst draft experts over the last several months. The junior defensive tackle has improved every single season that he has been a member of the Arizona State program -becoming one of the crowning achievements of DL coach Diron Reynolds' time in Tempe.

The Texas native is a lethal run-stopper, frequently demanding double teams and differing coverages from the opposing offensive line. Fite has also shown the ability to rush the passer from the interior in vital moments - and has even deflected a pass this campaign.

#104 - Sam Leavitt

Leavitt's future in Tempe is murky, but for now, he remains a member of the program. There's little denying the raw talent and tangible production that the redshirt sophomore brings to the table, but he still has areas of his game that need to be honed in on, particularly when it comes to mechanics.

#210 Max Iheanachor

ESPN draft analyst Jordan Reid had previously shared intel before the season that Iheanachor was receiving potential day two hype in the draft. The ultimate verdict on the senior right tackle appears to be mixed, as some still rank the second-year starting player as a top-100 prospect, while others are a bit more skeptical due to the general inexperience.

Regardless, it would be shocking to see Iheanachor not selected in April's draft.

dww — Sep 13, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) and Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor (58) during runout at Mountain America Stadium against the Texas State Bobcats. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

Read more on why the Arizona State men's basketball team will exceed expectations in the 2025-26 season here, and on major takeaways from the Sun Devils’ convincing win over Colorado in week 13 here.

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