Arizona State football among College Football Playoff dark-horse teams

In 2024, the Arizona State football team came out of nowhere to win the Big 12 and earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Can the Sun Devils do it again in the 2026 season?

While Arizona State isn’t among the favorites to win the conference (BetMGM Sportsbook has ASU football tied for eighth in odds to win the Big 12), one college football writer lists Kenny Dillingham’s team as the Big 12’s “sleeper” team for the College Football Playoff, including Arizona State as a CFP dark horse.

USA TODAY Sports’ Paul Myerberg wrote of the Sun Devils’ chances: “Texas Tech is the overwhelming favorite even without Brendan Sorsby. Just behind are No. 15 Brigham Young, No. 21 Utah and No. 24 Houston. Admittedly, picking Arizona State is a gamble. The Sun Devils look much different than last season and will be very reliant on one of the league’s top transfer classes. But ASU won the Big 12 in 2024, won eight games last season and could pop back toward the top of the standings if a totally reworked offensive line gives the skill talent room and time to operate.”

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Arizona State football’s 2026 fall camp in photos

Arizona State defensive back Kyan McDonald (21) covers teammate Nasir Stephens (29) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Daquwan Dunn (19) covers teammate Caleb Chester (25) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive linemen Matai Jefferson (77) and Niniva Nicholson (55) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Wade Helton (64) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Caleb Chester (25) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham screams to his team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Rodney Bimage Jr. (0) runs coverage against Daquwan Dunn (19) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Rodney Bimage Jr. (0) punches the blocking dummy during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Kyan McDonald (21) covers teammate Nasir Stephens (29) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive backs coach Demetrice Martin talks with his group during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive backs warm up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State quality control coach Travis Ward talks to offensive linemen during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State breaks a huddle for their second practice during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Manamo’ui Muti (52) and Makua Pule (71) run a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Montana Warren (7) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Desean Bryant Jr. (54) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Lyrik Rawls (2) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Kyan McDonald (21) catches a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive linemen Desean Bryant Jr. (54), Xander Ruggeroli (79) and Luke Baklenko (78) warm up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Jarmaine Mitchell (75) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Adrian “Boogie” Wilson (6) takes his helmet off during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Jessiah McGrew (23) and Montana Warren (7) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Terrell Kim (73) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Desean Bryant Jr. (54) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Rodney Bimage Jr. (0) looks at drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Jalen Klemm (70) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive backs Lyrik Rawls (2) and Ben Alefaio-Lilii (12) work on a coverage drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive linemen Maki Stewart (59), Tana Alo-Tupuola (58) and Champ Westbrooks (76) lead a stretch during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Terrell Kim (73) snaps the ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive backs Maurice Williams (20), Zeth Thues (31), Davis Kinney (28) and Jessiah McGrew (23) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Maki Stewart (59) blocks during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Marques Uini (50) blocks during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Champ Westbrooks (76) leads a stretch during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Adrian “Boogie” Wilson (6) looks over at the coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Wade Helton (64) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Nasir Stephens (29) catches a ball during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State secondary coach David Gibbs works out his safeties during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Brent Helton (69) blocks during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Manamo’ui Muti (52) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Marques Uini (50) warms up during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive lineman Makua Pule (71) works out with the team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 6, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Owen Long (22) makes a tackle during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Roman Pitre (5) punches out the football from teammate Clayton Smith (10) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman CJ Fite (99) chases down a ball carrier during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Kirt Vakalahi (44) chases down a ball carrier during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham walks the field during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Blazen Lono-Wong (97) listens to coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Landen Anderson (84) listens to coaches with teammates during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Blazen Lono-Wong (97) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Clayton Smith (10) punches the ball out from teammate Albert Smith III (3) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Jalen Thompson (9) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman CJ Fite (99) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Ramar Williams (55) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Albert Smith III (3) listens to coaches during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Doughless Teloma (72) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Kirt Vakalahi (44) runs ad drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebackers Oscar Aguilar Jr. (34), Mason Marden (43) and Prayer Young-Blackgoat (13) run drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebackers huddle during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Martell Hughes (8) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive back Ashton Stamps (1) puts on his helmet during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Oscar Aguilar Jr. (34) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State assistant coach AJ Cooper watches his linebackers in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Owen Long (22) runs a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Isaiah Iosefa (54) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Lee “Puka” Fuimaono (48) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Oscar Aguilar Jr. (34) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker prepare to run a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman workout during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) runs a tackling drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Martell Hughes (8) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Lee “Puka” Fuimaono (48) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Ramere Davis (18) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu (30) makes an interception in a drill during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State quarterback Mikey Keene (12) runs drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo talks to his quarterbacks during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette (2) throws during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State quarterback Cameron Dyer (13) runs passing drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State quarterback Cutter Boley (8) runs passing drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona State defensive lineman Joshua Shanklin (17) and Zac Swanson (92) run defensive lineman swat drills during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Arizona state defensive linemen Blazen Lono-Wong (97) and Hyrum Vaeono (90) during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

(Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Washington is listed as the Big Ten’s sleeper team, while Oklahoma is the dark-horse team from the SEC in Myerberg’s list.

The ACC sleeper is Clemson, while East Carolina, Delaware, Central Michigan, North Dakota State, Washington State and Marshall are the sleepers from the smaller conferences.

Could Arizona State be among the nation’s surprise teams this season? As 2024 proved, you can’t count the Sun Devils out.

Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham watches his team during a football practice in Tempe on Aug. 5, 2026.

Reach Jeremy Cluff at jeremy.cluff@arizonarepublic.com. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter @Jeremy_Cluff.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Arizona State football among College Football Playoff dark-horse teams

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