As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Arizona State Sun Devils find themselves facing pressing questions on the defensive side of the ball. After a rocky 2024 campaign that saw the team finish near the bottom of the Pac-12 in most major defensive categories, the pressure is mounting on the coaching staff to deliver meaningful improvement. With a mix of inexperienced talent, scheme inconsistencies, and depth concerns, Arizona State’s defense enters 2025 with a lot to prove.
One of the most glaring issues from last season was the Sun Devils’ inability to stop the run. Arizona State allowed an average of 192.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 10th in the conference. That vulnerability on early downs often left the defense scrambling to recover, exposing a secondary that itself was struggling to hold up under pressure. Defensive coordinator Brian Ward, now entering his second full year, has made it clear that stopping the run is priority number one. But without a proven core in the defensive front seven, it remains to be seen whether schematic adjustments will be enough.
Compounding the issue is the significant turnover in defensive personnel. The transfer portal saw multiple veteran contributors leave Tempe, including linebacker Caleb McCullough and cornerback Ed Woods. Though the Sun Devils have brought in some promising recruits and transfers—highlighted by four-star linebacker Malik Grayson and former Michigan State safety Jaden Franklin—the lack of continuity could pose a challenge in building cohesion early in the season.
Depth is another concern. Injuries decimated Arizona State’s defense last year, exposing how thin the roster was at key positions like defensive tackle and cornerback. While the offseason saw some effort to shore up those weaknesses, it’s unclear whether the incoming class has the physical readiness to compete at the Power Five level right away. The coaching staff will likely have to rely heavily on player development and hope for better injury luck in 2025.
Perhaps most pressing is the issue of identity. The Sun Devils have yet to establish a consistent defensive identity under head coach Kenny Dillingham. At times, the team has flashed aggressiveness, dialing up blitzes and playing tight man coverage. At others, they’ve looked overly cautious, allowing opposing offenses to dictate tempo and exploit gaps in coverage. Finding a balance between aggression and discipline will be essential if Arizona State hopes to climb the defensive rankings this fall.
There are some reasons for optimism. Sophomore defensive end Elijah Ochoa is poised for a breakout season after a strong spring showing, and junior safety Chris Edmonds provides leadership and experience in the secondary. Still, the unit will need more than a few standout performances to succeed in a conference loaded with high-powered offenses.
Arizona State opens its 2025 schedule against a resurgent Fresno State team before entering a grueling Pac-12 slate. With little room for error, the Sun Devils’ defense must come together quickly if they hope to keep the team competitive.
Whether that happens will depend on more than just talent—it will require discipline, durability, and a clear defensive identity, all of which remain in question as the season draws near.
