Arizona State's Potential Bowl Assignments Unveiled

The potential bowl games the Sun Devils are expected to be in play for can be considered a disappointment for fans.

Sep 26, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) celebrates touchdown with wide receiver Jordyn Tyson (0) against the TCU Horned Frogs in the first half at Mountain America Stadium, Home of the ASU Sun Devils. Mandatory Credit: Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images | Jacob Reiner-Imagn Images

TEMPE -- Hopes of a second consecutive Big 12 title have dimmed in recent days for the 2025 Arizona State football team - this follows a 42-10 defeat at the hands of the Utah Utes, as well as the uncertain status of star quarterback Sam Leavitt, who was descirbed as 'day-to-day' by coach Kenny Dillingham on Monday.

The impending matchup with Texas Tech on Saturday is a clean slate for the team, but the outsider perspective of the battle being a 'must-win' to keep hopes of another conference title alive appear to be astute.

A loss would place the team solidly behind the Red Raiders - and at very best even with the Utes, with Utah holding the tiebreaker. Brigham Young and Cincinnati loom large as conference contenders that have yet to drop a league game as well

Although the high hopes that came with the Sun Devils' success last season can be salvaged, the ultimate bowl fate for the 2025 season appears below expectation for the time being.

Arizona State on SI explores projections from two major publications, as well as making a call as to where and who Arizona State will play come December.

ESPN Projections

Kyle Bonagura: Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl vs Florida State

Mark Schlabach: Holiday Bowl vs Notre Dame

Nov 23, 2024; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona State Sun Devils helmet at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Sun Bowl and Holiday Bowl are two of the stronger non-playoff games that currently remain. Florida State and Notre Dame would both be reasonably strong competition, with both programs having potential to be a litmus test heading into the 2026 campaign.

CBS Sports Projection

Brad Crawford: Las Vegas Bowl vs Illinois

The Las Vegas Bowl is a decent enough game - the Sun Devils' last appearance happened to double as the final game Jayden Daniels suited up for the program.

Nov 25, 2022; Tucson, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona State Sun Devils helmet during the Territorial Cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Illinois is worthy competition as well, as the complete version of the Illini have proved to be top-25 caliber over the last two seasons.

Holiday Bowl vs USC

The Trojans are currently posturing for a potential run to the College Football Playoff despite a loss to Illinois in recent weeks - however a loss in the coming games might spell doom to those hopes.

This would be as intriguing of a bowl game as the Sun Devils can get that isn't of the playoff variety, as the recent history between the two programs as Pac-12 rivals have yielded some truly classic outcomes.

Arizona State is set to host Texas Tech this Saturday afternoon - with the game being much more significant for bowl posturing than any other contest in 2025.

Read more about Arizona State basketball coach Bobby Hurley speaking directly to fans ahead of the start of the 2025 season here, and on three major takeaways from the 42-10 loss to Utah here.

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