Kenny Dillingham enters his fourth season at Arizona State in 2026. Marcus Arroyo returns as offensive coordinator, and Kentucky transfer Cutter Boley joins the program at quarterback. Kyson Brown returns at running back after missing last season, while Raleek Brown departed for Texas. The receiving corps will feature three transfers: Reed Harris from Boston College, Omarion Miller from Colorado, and Raiden Vines-Bright from Washington. Update (Sept. 21): Starting TE Khamari Anderson suffered a left-leg injury against Kansas and will miss the remainder of the 2026 season after appearing in three games. The offensive line returns Wade Helton after seven starts last season and Maki Stewart after four, while several new starters are expected in 2026. Update (Sept. 21): Starting RG Wade Helton suffered a lower-leg injury against Texas A&M and is expected to miss multiple weeks after starting Arizona State’s first two games.
Brian Ward returns as defensive coordinator. Arizona State returns three of its top eleven tacklers from last season after losing its top three, adding pressure on the staff to develop new contributors. Martell Hughes returns at linebacker, while Adrian “Boogie” Wilson and Montana Warren return in the secondary. Baylor transfer Emar’rion Winston and Michigan State transfer Jalen Thompson join the defensive front. The Sun Devils will feature several new contributors across the defense, increasing the coaching staff’s stakes on that side of the ball. Update (Oct. 7): S Lyrik Rawls suffered a knee injury against Baylor and is expected to miss multiple weeks. Kenny Dillingham indicated Rawls could return toward the end of the season.
Jack Nudo returns as special teams coordinator as Arizona State replaces last year’s primary placekicker and punter. Jaren Hamilton will be the primary return man in 2026. Arizona State enters 2026 with major turnover at quarterback, along the offensive line, throughout the defense, and in several special-teams roles, increasing the coaching staff’s stakes across the roster.