In men’s basketball, ASU has taken the conference by storm. Under the leadership of head coach Bobby Hurley, the Sun Devils are currently near the top of the Big 12 standings, boasting an impressive conference record. Their high-paced offense and aggressive defense have proven effective against some of the most competitive programs in the country, including Kansas, Baylor, and Houston. ASU’s backcourt, led by veteran guard Frankie Collins and breakout star Jamiya Neal, has been nearly unstoppable, providing both scoring and playmaking on a nightly basis. The Sun Devils have also shown resilience, pulling off multiple comeback victories and establishing Desert Financial Arena as one of the toughest environments for visiting teams.
On the football side, Kenny Dillingham’s squad exceeded expectations this past fall. Despite low preseason projections, ASU finished with a winning record in conference play and earned a respectable bowl bid, marking a major step forward for the program in its first Big 12 season. Dillingham’s focus on fast, dynamic offense paid off, with freshman quarterback Jaden Rashada emerging as one of the conference’s most promising young stars before a late-season injury. The defense, anchored by transfer additions and seasoned Pac-12 veterans, held its own against some of the nation’s most explosive offenses.
Arizona State’s Olympic sports have also flourished in their Big 12 debut. The Sun Devils’ baseball and softball programs, long respected in the Pac-12, are proving they can contend for titles in their new home. Early-season results have ASU baseball ranked within the Top 25, fueled by strong pitching and power hitting. Softball, meanwhile, is on pace to qualify for the NCAA Tournament, with several marquee wins against traditional Big 12 powerhouses like Oklahoma State and Texas.
Beyond the wins and losses, ASU’s move to the Big 12 has revitalized fan engagement and brought fresh energy to Tempe. Attendance numbers are up across all major sports, and the athletic department has capitalized on new rivalries with nearby programs like Arizona, which also made the jump to the Big 12. The Sun Devils have embraced the new competition level and the national attention that comes with it, solidifying themselves as a rising force in one of the toughest conferences in college athletics.
As the 2024-2025 season progresses, Arizona State continues to prove that not only do they belong in the Big 12—they’re ready to lead it. If the first year is any indication, the Sun Devils are poised to become a perennial contender in their new conference home.
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