Arizona State 2025: Progress Evaporates

TEMPE, AZ – Hopes for sustained momentum at Arizona State University’s football program have evaporated with a disastrous 2025 season, leaving head coach Kenny Dillingham facing intense scrutiny despite signing a lucrative new contract just last December. What was anticipated as a year of continued growth following a surprising 2024 bowl appearance has instead devolved into a 3-7 record, effectively ending any postseason aspirations with two games remaining.

The dramatic regression has cast a long shadow over Sun Devil football, prompting frustration among fans and raising serious questions about the program’s immediate trajectory. After navigating their inaugural Big 12 Conference season in 2024 with a respectable bowl berth, many expected ASU to build upon that foundation. Dillingham, who orchestrated the 2024 turnaround after a challenging 3-9 debut in 2023, was rewarded with a five-year contract extension, securing his tenure in Tempe through 2028. That goodwill, however, has rapidly dissipated.

“The letdown is immense,” stated a long-time booster who requested anonymity to speak candidly. “We saw real progress last year, a vision. To see it all fall apart like this, especially the way the offense has sputtered, it’s demoralizing.”

Indeed, the offensive unit has been the team’s Achilles’ heel throughout 2025, struggling to consistently move the ball and convert opportunities into points. The quarterback position, once seen as a strength with promising talents, has become a revolving door. Highly touted Jaden Rashada, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2024, has been unable to consistently seize the starting role or find a rhythm, while veteran Drew Pyne also failed to provide the necessary stability. This inconsistency has permeated the entire attack, leading to a Big 12 ranking near the bottom in scoring offense.

Multiple sources within the program, speaking off the record, indicated that the offensive struggles have been compounded by a lack of identity and execution, contributing to several close losses that could have swung the season’s outcome. “It feels like we’re constantly searching for answers on Saturdays,” one source noted.

The 2024 season, which saw ASU defying expectations in its first year in the more competitive Big 12, now feels like an anomaly rather than a springboard. To follow that up with such a significant step backward in 2025 has amplified concerns. While Dillingham’s recruiting acumen is widely praised, observers worry that on-field performance is ultimately what sells prospects. Losing games, particularly in such a fashion, threatens to undermine future recruiting efforts, making it harder to attract and retain elite talent to Tempe.

The financial implications of Dillingham’s recent contract extension also loom large. A substantial buyout clause would make a premature coaching change extraordinarily costly for the university and its athletic department, effectively guaranteeing Dillingham at least the 2026 season to prove he can reverse course.

“The pressure on Coach Dillingham is undeniable,” said veteran sportswriter Lisa Nguyen, who covers the Big 12. “He has the contract security, but college football is a results-driven business. Another season like this, and even that five-year deal won’t quell the growing discontent from the fanbase and crucial donors.”

As the Sun Devils prepare for their final two games, the focus has shifted from bowl eligibility to identifying fundamental issues and laying the groundwork for a critical 2026 campaign. Expect significant personnel evaluations, potential coaching staff adjustments, and an aggressive approach to the transfer portal to address deficiencies. The program’s ability to retain current players and attract new talent will be paramount in the coming offseason.

For Arizona State, the coming months represent a pivotal moment in Dillingham’s young tenure. The promise of 2024 has faded, replaced by the stark reality of a completely lost 2025 season, leaving Dillingham and his staff with a massive challenge to restore faith and deliver on the potential that once seemed so bright in Tempe.