There’s a reason the Big 12 opted to ditch its preseason media poll last year – They’re usually off the mark, especially in a conference as volatile as the Big 12. 

But alas, here we are for a second straight year, trying to make sense of an ASU team that is cruising into 2026 as a bit of an unknown with over 40 new players. Here are our predictions for the Sun Devils this fall.

Inferno Intel staff writers Adam Kunin, Ashton Sharinn and Taylor Gautney contributed to this story.

Statistical predictions

The Sun Devils went big game hunting in the transfer portal to bring talented pass catchers to Tempe. Who will lead ASU in receiving yards in 2026?

At 6-foot-5 in. tall, senior wideout Reed Harris may seem like a typical deep-ball threat with a limited route tree. However, offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo lined him up all over the line of scrimmage in fall camp, and Harris proved he had much more to his repertoire than the 50/50 ball – although it’s one of his strengths. It’s a talented position group, but when starting quarterback Cutter Boley is under heat or needs to convert on third down, his eyes will turn to big No. 3 in maroon and gold. 

Harris: 960 receiving yards

• Kunin

After lowering the rope into the Colorado well once more, Dillngham and wide receivers coach Hines Ward may have struck gold with finding Jordyn Tyson’s replacement. Senior wideout Omarion Miller — hailing from the same black and gold colors as Tyson once did in college — has been the talk of camp, and for good reason.

247 Sports’ No. 4-ranked transfer wide receiver, Miller’s frame and speed should see him line up in the slot. Boasting a similar frame to Tyson at 6-foot-2 in. tall and 210 pounds, Miller’s 18 yards per reception ranked top-20 amongst qualified NCAA Division I receivers last season. Coming off a 45-reception, 808-yard, eight-touchdown year, I expect Miller to shine in Dillingham and Arroyo’s system. 

Miller: 1,080 receiving yards

• Sharinn

ASU showcased a fantastic transfer portal class, especially at wide receiver, to replace superstar Jordyn Tyson. While Omarion Miller will have an incredible season for the Sun Devils, I’m also looking at Reed Harris. Harris is a straight-up football player, standing at 6-foot-5 with 220 pounds of pure muscle. Harris ranked third in the ACC last season with 17.26 yards per reception to boast a four-star transfer ranking, according to On3. Look out for big No. 3 on the offensive end, a reliable option for quarterback Cutter Boley.

Harris: 1,020 receiving yards

• Gautney

Arizona State has produced five 1,000-yard rushers since running backs coach Shaun Aguano arrived in 2019. Who will emerge as the Sun Devils’ leading rusher this fall?

No one in the room has separated themselves as a clear-cut bell cow, and it appears that ASU will go with a by-committee approach early on. Senior Kyson Brown is going to start at the totem pole, and although he hasn’t been impressive in fall camp, it feels like this is finally his year to take the mantle as the Sun Devils’ RB1.

Kyson Brown: 805 rushing yards

• Kunin

ASU running backs coach Shaun Aguano has yet to name his “bell cow”. With no running back on the scout team, Aguano’s impressive track record of producing 1,000-yard rushers may come to a head. Still, I believe in the bold option: junior Jason Brown Jr. 

Brown showcased his ability to play at the collegiate level against Duke in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl. Brown carried the pigskin 13 times for 134 yards and added two catches for 14 yards. 

Brown Jr.: 674 yards

• Sharinn

This is a very interesting year in the running back room for the Sun Devils, with two years ago being the Cam Skattebo show and last year when Raleek Brown emerged as the main guy. With Brown gone to an SEC program, who will step up for this offense? While I think Kyson Brown will take the starting job, at least early on in the season, I’m also hoping to see Jason Brown Jr. shine. Brown is a former four-star recruit by all major recruiting services who has spent his first two years in Tempe, coming back for another year. Brown Jr. is a speedy back with power as well when he runs. Watch out for him to emerge, especially in midseason form. 

Brown Jr.: 730 yards

• Gautney

The Sun Devils will need to replace their leading tackler from last year, Jordan Crook. Who will step up and record the most tackles on defense this season?

It’s hard for me to see anyone other than junior linebacker Owen Long finishing with this title. After all, his 151 tackles at Colorado State last season led the entire FBS. His being added to the Pat Tillman Leadership Council as a newcomer is a telling sign of what type of role he’ll be playing on ASU’s defense. 

Long: 112 tackles

• Kunin

In my eyes, the obvious prediction, junior linebacker Owen Long, is the correct one. The junior transfer from Colorado State has continuously shown out in every camp. Long can do a bit of everything, providing help in the run game and serving as a key anchor patrolling the middle of the field against the pass. His poise across the middle and the ability to read and react is why I believe he’s firmly the anchor of the ship. 

Long: 94 tackles

• Sharinn

Colorado State transfer Owen Long just continues to show incredible flashes as the defensive leader for this Sun Devil squad. The first-year ASU linebacker was the FBS leader in tackles per game in the entire country, at an astounding 12.6 per contest. I don’t expect him to slow down at all with the Maroon and Gold this season in an elevated competition pool. 

Long: 105 tackles

• Gautney

Record Prediction

While ASU dealt with a slew of injuries, many to key players, it still managed to reach the eight-win mark for the second straight season. Can the Sun Devils improve upon this total, or will they take a step back in 2026?

Contrary to the general outside perception of ASU this season, I think the Sun Devils have a roster that can reach the eight-to nine-win benchmark this season. While I do think its road schedule features some difficult games – Texas A&M, Texas Tech, BYU – I think the rest of the slate is extremely manageable. Look for Dillingham and Co. to be back in the hunt, contending for a trip to Arlington in the Big 12 Championship.

ASU record: 9-3 overall, 7-2 Big 12

• Kunin

While much improved in certain areas, including wide receiver depth, the Sun Devils have too many holes, in my opinion, for me to give them more than seven wins. While the defense provides little concern, junior quarterback Cutter Boley needs to prove he can minimize the turnovers at game speed under the bright lights. Add the struggling tight end and offensive tackle room, and it could spell disaster for Boley and Co., leading to a collapsing pocket. 

ASU record: 7-5, 5-4 Big 12

• Sharinn

I firmly believe that ASU will compete in a very open Big 12 race this season, with, of course, the two favorites being Texas Tech and BYU. The problem? The Sun Devils play both of these teams on the road, let alone an away bout with SEC contender Texas A&M. That Kansas game in London is very crucial and could very well be the turning point of the season very early. With an electric home crowd to back it up, I think ASU will go undefeated at home, but drop some of those crucial away games.

ASU record: 8-4, 6-3 Big 12

• Gautney