Arizona State Football Announces Theme Nights for 2026 Home Games

TEMPE -- Arizona State's 2026 football schedule is entirely unique in the recent history of the program.

The Sun Devils will only host one game in September, will play a non-conference game in the middle of October, and appear to be in-line to not host a ranked team for the first time in many years.

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

The uniqueness of the upcoming schedule still lends for much intrigue in the six-game home slate - especially considering the annual game themes that were brought back by the university.

September 5: Home Opener vs. Morgan State

The home opener will be the first Arizona State game held at Mountain America Stadium in 281 days - signifying the official ushering in of a new era.

The Sun Devil faithful are typically asked to wear gold for the home opener, but nothing was made official in that department yet.

feweffw — Cutter Boley (#8 QB) during ASU football practice at Kajikawa Practice fields in Tempe, Arizona, on March 19, 2026. | Mark Henle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

October 3: Maroon Monsoon vs. Baylor

This theme is fairly straightforward - all Sun Devil fans in attendance are asked to wear maroon for the game.

This contest is especially significant, as it marks the first home game in nearly a month, the team's Big 12 opener, and a rematch against the Bears after escaping Waco with a victory last season. Baylor QB DJ Lagway will potentially receive a rematch with ASU QB Cutter Boley as well to add another storyline layer - the former was at Florida last season.

October 10: Sun Devil Hall of Fame vs. Hawaii

This will be the rare game in which the Sun Devils take on a non-conference opponent in the midst of conference play - the more important area of focus is the date serving as an ushering in of new members to the Arizona State Hall of Fame.

fefewew — Former ASU wrestler Anthony Robles reacts as he is announced during the 2022 Hall of Fame induction announcement during halftime at Sun Devil Stadium on Oct. 8, 2022. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

October 24: Blackout vs. Kansas State

Kansas State is locked into a new era heading into the season under first-year head coach Collin Klein - this game absolutely has potential to be a tightly contested one despite the Sun Devils rolling into the season with an advantage on paper.

November 7: Family Weekend/Salute to Service vs. Colorado

Arizona State and Colorado are set to meet for the second consecutive season after the former earned a resounding victory on November 22.

Family weekend is a yearly tradition where family members of current Sun Devils make the trek out to Tempe, while it also coincides with the yearly honoring of military personnel.

fefew — Nov 22, 2025; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jeff Sims (2) hands off to running back Kanye Udoh (6) for a touchdown carry in the fourth quarter against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

November 21: Homecoming/Senior Game vs. Oklahoma State

Homecoming is much later in the calendar this time around compared to what it typically is - as it coincides with the final time that seniors will suit up in the maroon and gold.

Oklahoma State also has the potential to be a sneaky strong team in 2026, which makes this a matchup that has a chance to gain significance as the regular season moves on.