The Christmas Gifts ASU Football Has Given Fans

Over the past couple of years, the Arizona State Sun Devil Football program has provided fans with special memories and moments.
Aug 30, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Sparky the Sun Devil takes the field pregame between Arizona State Sun Devils and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Aug 30, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Sparky the Sun Devil takes the field pregame between Arizona State Sun Devils and Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images | Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images

With it being the holiday season, it is a time to reflect on the good times of the year. ASU Football has a lot of them from the past year, from games to players to culture; there is a lot to love for ASU Football that can translate to the future.

High Caliber NFL Players

For a while, it seemed during Draft Season, Sun Devil. The players were not really involved. Sure, there were some players like Brandon Aiyuk, who was drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 2020. However, this year and last year, Sun Devils who been more involved with the draft. Last year, ASU running back Cam Skattebo went in round 4. For this draft, receiver Jordyn Tyson is expected to be a top ten pick.

Arizona State Sun Devils Wide Receiver Jordyn Tyson
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

When it comes to better offensive players in this draft, Tyson is up there in conversation for many. It is a true gift to see an ASU player at the top of draft conversations and for so many to have Tyson's respect. Besides Tyson, Keith Abney II is also a player who a lot of people like in Round 2 of the draft. If Abney II crushes the combine, an event NFL teams love, he could go even in Round 1.

Arizona State Sun Devils Defensive Back Keith Abney II
Oct 25, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Keith Abney II (1) against the Houston Cougars at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Coach Dillingham Staying

There were rumors swirling around that Coach Dillingham could leave to coach another college, such as LSU or Penn State. However, Sun Devils have recently received the excellent news that Coach Dillingham is not leaving ASU anytime soon.

Dillingham has been nothing but an absolutely fantastic pillar of success for the Sun Devils. Not only on the field, as he has had fantastic wins, but off the field, too. Dillingham is awesome with the media and is always propping up his teammates and other coaches. Dillingham is the gift that keeps on giving.

Arizona State Sun Devils Head Coach Kenny Dillingham
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham reacts against the Arizona Wildcats during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

A Competitive Culture

Speaking of Dillingham, one thing that he has done is establish a competitive culture. There are many fantastic examples of this, whether it be winning the Big 12 Championship last year against the Iowa State Cyclones in a dominant fashion. This year, ASU has had some Big 12 wins, such as the Texas Tech Red Raiders, Baylor Bears, and the TCU Horned Frogs.

Arizona State Sun Devils Kicker Jesus Gomez
Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils kicker Jesus Gomez (35) kicks a field goal against the TCU Horned Frogs in the second half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images | Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images

Fantastic Atmosphere

The fact that every ASU home game was sold out this season is amazing. That is somewhat rare and shows that not only do the Sun Devils have fantastic fans, but that the venue is great as well. ASU does a great job keeping up its facilities, a true gift for the fans.

 Arizona State Sun Devils Mascot Sparky
Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils mascot Sparky during the 99th Territorial Cup at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

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Published
Tanner Cappellin
TANNER CAPPELLINI

Tanner Cappellini holds a mass communications degree from Arizona State University and is pursuing his dream of being the person at the games, practices, and events who takes others inside the team they love.