Episode 437 - The Narratives That Matter

"A Tongan that goes crazy every play." It's hard to top Jacob Rich Kongaika's self-description, but you should also add "multiplier." After crossing rivalry lines by transferring from Arizona to ASU last year, Kongaika quickly became a key contributor at defensive tackle, as well as a loud and jovial voice in the locker room for the Sun Devils. He's back in 2025 to provide more big hits, big laughs, and some big songs. On this episode we discuss crossing Territorial Cup lines, his football journey, planting the pitchfork in Tucson, his love of singing, the impact of the Poly pipeline and much more.

Games—and championships—are won in the trenches. For the Sun Devils, the offensive line took significant steps forward last year, paving the way to Cam Skattebo's run to history and the passing game's breakout. With four starters back in 2025, plus a host of talented younger linemen and newcomers, position coach Saga Tuitele is primed to field another formidable unit. On this episode, we breakdown the makeup of the O-line, the battles to watch in fall camp, lessons from the title run, the value of culture and leadership, and more.

FOOTBALL IS BACK. The Sun Devils are hitting the field for fall camp. We dive into each of the position groups to highlight the key battles, pressing questions, and breakout candidates. We also talk with new 2026 ASU TE commit Landon Miree on why he chose the Sun Devils (51:30).

Cheers isn't the only place where everyone knows your name. Arizona State's defensive line room returns nearly the entire 3-deep from last year's Big 12-winning run. Plus, they've added a few talented new pieces. This all sets up quite well for position coach Diron Reynolds, who's entering his second year leading the line. On this episode, Coach Reynolds gives a detailed breakdown of this players, the keys to improving the pass rush, the value of such a veteran room, Kenny Dillingham's approach to spelling, and more.

Cam Skattebo leaves a major void in Tempe. There's no question about that. But if there's one coach who's earned the fan's confidence to field a productive backfield, it's Shaun Aguano. Entering his seventh season on the Sun Devil staff, Aguano has consistently mentored standout running backs. And even without the record-setting Skatt, the talented group of ASU backs under his tutelage figure to post big problems for Big 12 defenses this fall. On this episode, we take an in-depth look at his players, his growth as a coach, activating the Valley, Golden Tickets and Arizona recruiting, and much more.

Fall camp is almost here, folks. We dive into the current state of the roster and rank the Sun Devils' position groups in terms of our pre-camp confidence levels.

The old saying goes that offense gets the glory, but defense wins championships. If that holds true, Arizona State is in great shape. The Sun Devil defense was a strong force in 2024, consistently stepping up in the big moments, and with most of the key players returning, defensive coordinator Brian Ward is feeling pretty good heading into his third season at the helm. On this episode, Brian gives us a detailed breakdown of the position groups, a look at his defensive philosophies, discusses the impact of a player-led culture, the challenges of defending Sam Leavitt, his appearance in the new EA Sports video game, and much more.

Twenty-five years go by fast, and over that time, we've seen many outstanding Sun Devils take the field. Who is the best of the best? We unveil our All-Quarter Century Team for Arizona State football.

Skat's gone. What're they going to do without Skat? ASU will take a step back without Skat. The national narrative is out there, and the pundits have been doubling down on it all offseason long. We get it. What Cam Skattebo did in Tempe will never be forgotten. But what those around the nation may not realize is that the backfield cupboard is anything but bare. Kyson Brown was the Sun Devils' second back last year, and flashed his vast potential, highlighted by a 100-yard game against Arizona. This spring, the rising junior made a strong case to be the lead back for ASU, showing good power to go with his track speed. He leads a deep backfield that looks to keep the Devils' offense in high gear in 2025. On this episode, we discuss his growth heading into Year 3, the depth of the backfield, Shaun Aguano's influence, the meaning of his new number, and more.

The college game has changed drastically in recent years, and the recent settlement of the House case only brings greater shifts. To get clarity on what's happened, what's about to happen, and what may soon happen, NIL agent Peter Boyle of Activate Sports Management joined us in studio for a detailed and thorough breakdown of the landscape post-House.