TEMPE, Ariz. — Caleb McCullough witnessed the challenging phase at Arizona State University, a time when losses mounted and the shadow of an NCAA investigation loomed large over the football program. Despite the turmoil, the senior linebacker chose to remain, motivated by head coach Kenny Dillingham’s promise of a brighter future.
That future has arrived more quickly than many anticipated, surprising both fans and analysts alike. “I’m doing whatever I can to win,” McCullough expressed. “I’m not really a stat player. This is my last year of college and my main goal is just to win.” The Sun Devils have indeed been winning, emerging as one of the most unexpected teams in college football this season.
Initially predicted to finish at the bottom in their inaugural season within the Big 12, Arizona State is boasting an impressive record of 8-2, including 5-2 in conference play, and they now control their fate regarding a chance at the conference championship. With a rank of 21st in the nation, the Sun Devils have already secured a bowl game appearance, marking their first since 2021, the last time they were also ranked in the AP Top 25. This season has seen Arizona State overcome formidable opponents, achieving victories over two ranked teams: a 27-19 triumph against then-No. 16 Utah on October 11 and a 24-14 win over then-No. 20 Kansas State just last weekend.
This coming Saturday, they face their most significant home matchup in years when they host No. 14 BYU. It will be the first instance of a home game between ranked teams in Tempe since 2014. A win against the Cougars would position Arizona State to clinch a berth in the Big 12 Championship set for December 7 in Arlington, Texas, especially significant if they can also defeat rival Arizona in their last regular-season game. “It means a lot to these guys to come in here with that chip on their shoulder and do something that really nobody thought we could do,” said Dillingham.
The Sun Devils had to navigate several challenges when Dillingham took over in 2023. After achieving eight wins in 2021, the team stumbled to a 3-9 record the following year amidst ongoing NCAA scrutiny, a situation that ultimately led to Herm Edwards’ dismissal during his fifth season. Dillingham, previously successful as Oregon’s offensive coordinator and fresh off the enthusiasm of being a young, first-time head coach returning to his alma mater at the age of 32, faced a tough first season marred by injuries, particularly at the quarterback position, which resulted in another disappointing 3-9 finish.
Despite these setbacks, Dillingham successfully assembled the right talent through the transfer portal, enlisting players like Cam Skattebo, a running back from Sacramento State, and quarterback Sam Leavitt from Michigan State before this season. Skattebo has emerged as one of the nation’s premier running backs, while Leavitt’s ability to extend plays and make sound decisions has fit seamlessly within Arizona State’s offensive strategy. Dillingham’s recruitment efforts have paid off as he attracted key new players and retained significant talent, crafting a cohesive unit capable of making a run for the College Football Playoff, provided circumstances align favorably.
“We were a three-win team twice,” Dillingham reflected. “We were under NCAA sanctions. Most head coaches, to be brutally honest, get fired if you take a job under sanctions. You don’t survive. You’re hired to be fired. That’s the nature of the beast and right now we’re sitting here at 8-2, and I couldn’t be prouder.”
Dillingham’s vision for the future of Arizona State football, once deemed unlikely by outsiders, is now a reality unfolding before them.