ASU's Lack of Returning Production Shouldn't Be Major Concern

TEMPE -- The 2026 Arizona State Sun Devils face differing questions for the upcoming campaign in comparison to the year before.

The 2025 Sun Devils entered year three of the Kenny Dillingham era by returning a multitude of starters from the Big 12 title-winning 2024 team, though they faced other questions, and they eventually went 8-5 after battling through numerous injuries.

lknn — Oct 7, 2023; Tempe, Arizona, USA; ASU Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham yells out from the sidelines as his team plays against the Colorado Buffaloes at Mountain America Stadium. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

Now, the Sun Devils face an entirely new challenge: replacing historic production that has departed the program.

ASU Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) scrambles away from Houston Cougars defensive lineman Eddie Walls III (90) at Mountain America Stadium in Tempe on Oct. 25, 2025. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Arizona State's Roster Rebuild Is Significant

Arizona State ranks 101st (out of 136) in total returning snap count from the 2025 season, according to Cody Nagel of CBS Sports.

There isn't a single position group (QB, RB, WR, TE, OL, DL, LB, CB/S) that is returning over 50% of snap production from 2025, which truly makes this an all-encompassing rebuild - or at least at the surface.

klnk — Nov 28, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Keyshaun Elliott (44) 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

Why Arizona State's Offense Suited To Rebound

The Sun Devils return 0% of production from quarterbacks in the season-to-season transition, as Sam Leavitt and Jeff Sims departed via different means over the offseason. Dillingham did an amazing job of making up for the losses, as Cutter Boley and Mikey Keene were added to a roster that also features two high-profile underclassmen.

The running back and wide receiver positions are misleading when it comes to returning production in their own right. Kyson Brown only played one full game last season after entering the year as the clear starting player, while Omarion Miller and Reed Harris are star players at the position who should be able to make up for the loss of Jordyn Tyson.

eewffw — Arizona State running backs Kyson Brown (1) and Raleek Brown (3) take a water break during a practice inside the Verde Dickey Dome in Tempe on August 12, 2025. | Patrick Breen/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Why Arizona State's Defense Is in Better Than Expected Situation

Right off the bat, the Sun Devils and DC Brian Ward are retaining two key players on the defensive line. Senior DT C.J. Fite and grad student Clayton Smith are slated to be anchors of the front seven. Fite is in a position to lead an elite rushing defense for the third consecutive season.

The losses of Keyshaun Elliott and Jordan Crook loom large, but the program rebounded once again. Owen Long looks every bit as good as the player who paced the nation in tackles last season, while junior Martell Hughes is fully prepared to take a leap into stardom after breaking out in 2025.

lml — Jul 8, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Arizona State defensive lineman C.J. Fite answers questions from the media during 2025 Big 12 Football Media Days at The Star. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images | Raymond Carlin III-Imagn Images

The secondary had question marks heading into the early stages of spring football, but transfers such as Ashton Stamps and Lyrik Rawls have stepped up in a major way. Returnees such as Rodney Bimage Jr. and Adrian "Boogie" Wilson are going to be major power brokers in the defense as well.

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