Episode 464 - 2025 Sun Bowl Preview

The 2025 season is officially in the books. As he made his way back from El Paso, Brad Denny gave a rundown of the big takeaways from ASU's shootout loss to Duke in the Sun Bowl, who stood out, and the complicated evaluation of the 2025 season.

Down in the west Texas town of El Paso...the Sun Devils will meet the Blue Devils. Again. We take an in-depth look at the Sun Bowl matchup, plus we go behind Duke lines with Blue Devil insider Anna Snyder (20:17). We also talk with ASU wide receiver Derek Eusebio (1:02:42) and quarterback Cam Dyer (11:54).

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham has signed a new amended contract to add additional resources to the Sun Devils, and also shutting down the interest from the Michigan Wolverines. We discuss and break down the impact of the move, and then hear from Kenny Dillingham himself on what the deal means, the future of ASU football, and what else needs to happen to continue the progress.

As the world slows down for the holidays, the rumor mill is speeding up. Could Kenny Dillingham really leave Arizona State to coach the Michigan Wolverines? We discuss and outline what ASU's homegrown coach may actually be saying and what he's purposefully not. We also talk with two talented young Sun Devil defenders, linebacker Martell Hughes (24:56) and cornerback Joseph Smith (28:45).

2025 was my 15th season covering Arizona State football. Over that span, there are few—if any—players that I've covered more impactful, on and off the field, than Xavion Alford. Despite being ruled ineligible by the NCAA in 2023 after his transfer, he was a key part in establishing ASU's culture. He then took the field last year and was an All-Big 12 first team performer. Although an injury kept him sidelined for most of this past year, he still contributed in an off field role and recently declared for the NFL Draft. On this episode, we discuss his decision, his career at ASU, how his time as a Sun Devil shaped him, and more.  

As the Sun Devils continue to prepare for the Sun Bowl, the news cycles forges on. We tackle the latest from ASU's transfer portal announcements and then discuss what merit—if any—the Michigan coaching rumors surrounding Kenny Dillingham hold.

The Sun Devils are El Paso bound. We breakdown the news of ASU's Sun Bowl matchup against Duke, get the latest from the recruiting trail and transfer portal, and talk with Sun Devil defensive tackle Jacob Kongaika (1:01:41), wide receiver Malik McClain (1:05:54), and new cornerback signee Jalen Williams (25:51).

There is no offseason, folks. Joined by guest co-host Ralph Amsden, we discuss ASU's disappointing loss to Arizona and its implications before diving into National Signing Day. We break down the Sun Devils' 2026 class so far, including the crown jewels and diamonds-in-the-rough. We also get insight from DevilsDigest.com publisher Hod Rabino (1:52:02), and we talk to a pair of new Sun Devils: Quarterback Jake Fette (15:30) and defensive end Kirtland Vakalahi (46:08). Brad and Joe will have an update on Friday when the early signing period closes. [NOTE: Since recording, WR Cooper Reid flipped his commitment to TCU]

It's time for the Duel. Before the Sun Devils and Wildcats battle it out, we discuss the latest injury news, identify the key ASU players who need to step up, and in the spirit of the holiday, share what Sun Devil things we're thankful for this season. Plus, hear from Arizona State wide receiver coach Hines Ward.

It all comes down to this. After a look back at the win over Colorado, we turn our attention to the 98th battle for the Territorial Cup. We go behind Arizona lines with Adam Green of Wildcat Radio 2.0 (23:40) before diving into our in-depth game preview and unveil our predictions. We then talk with ASU tight end Chamon Metayer (1:29:49) and defensive end Justin Wodtly (1:35:03).