Graham Rossini introduced as new ASU athletic director
ASU president Michael Crow breaks down his new athletic department agenda as Graham Rossini is promoted to the head job.
We’re still a few months away from the kickoff of a new college football season and Arizona State’s first year in the Big 12 Conference.
The team has a lot of new faces entering Kenny Dillingham’s second season as head coach, but a few prominent preseason college football sites still don’t think much about the Sun Devils’ prospects in their new conference.
Athlon Sports picks ASU 13th among the 16 teams in the conference, just behind Baylor and ahead of only Brigham Young, Cincinnati and Houston.
Conference newcomer Utah was the No. 1 pick, Kansas State second and Oklahoma State third. ASU has no players selected on the first- or second-team in the individual preseason player selections. It does have center Leif Fautanu, running back Cameron Skattebo and safety Shamari Simmons listed as third team picks.
Lindy’s Sports pegs ASU 15th, just behind Houston and ahead of only Cincinnati. That publication selects Oklahoma State as the conference favorite with Utah second and Kansas third. The only player singled out is Fautanu, who is projected to make the second team.
“While the Sun Devils won’t be world beaters, it wouldn’t be a surprise if they became bowl eligible in their second season under head coach Kenny Dillingham. The overall trend line is on the upswing, as most of their starters won’t be seniors, and they’ve shown they can successfully evaluate and recruit the transfer portal,” Athlon said in its assessment.
Lindy’s assessment of the Sun Devils said: “With their NCAA investigation and subsequent sanctions behind them and ahead of their inaugural season as a Big 12 member, the Sun Devils are trying to turn the page following one of the worst seasons in program history. The offense has a low bar to clear to display legitimate advancement in 2024 and will need to complement a capable defense.”
Both Athlon and Lindy’s list Arizona, ASU’s fiercest rival, fifth.
ASU is coming off a second straight 3-9 showing with numerous injuries a major factor, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The Sun Devils open the new season at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 31 against Wyoming at Mountain America Stadium with that game to air on FS1.
ASU’s first Big 12 game will be at Texas Tech on Sept. 12.
The defending conference champion is Texas which has moved over to the SEC along with Oklahoma. The Longhorns defeated Oklahoma State in the Big 12 title game last season 49-21.
The first Big 12 Football Media Days involving the four conference newcomers will be July 9-10 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.