After conference realignment, Kenny Dillingham and the Sun Devils became a part of the Big 12. Following a 3-9 debut in the Pac-12, there were not a lot of expectations from him and his team. However, Dillingham proved his critics wrong by leading Arizona State to a Big 12 title and the quarterfinals of the 12-team playoffs.
In December 2024, Kenny Dillingham appeared on the “Bussin’ With the Boys” podcast. They discussed how the Sun Devils were projected to finish last in the Big 12 preseason. Dillingham said that he was proud of his players for exceeding expectations and achieving success as underdogs in the conference.
“We’re like 14 (position) or 13 (position). We picked like 16. … so it’s a testament to our guys, man, our guys have a chip on their shoulders,” Dillingham said. “They play with a chip on their shoulders like they play, like to have something to prove. You know, I said earlier in the year, we’re a bunch of misfits and underdogs.” (TS- 1:20 onwards)
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Arizona State took on the Texas Longhorns in the Peach Bowl quarterfinal game. Unfortunately, their dream campaign came to an end at the hands of Steve Sarkisian’s team, who secured the victory with a 31-39 final score.
During his introductory press conference in November 2022, Kenny Dillingham expressed his excitement about becoming a part of the Sun Devils.
“I’m home. … this is literally home. This place is special. This state is special. The people in this room are special.”
“We need the Valley behind us. We need the state behind us. We need butts in seats,” the Arizona State head coach said. “We need everything that this valley has all in, because I am all in.”
Kenny Dillingham highlights influence of Cam Skattebo on Arizona State
Cam Skattebo spent two seasons with the Sun Devils. The New York Giants picked him up in the fourth round of this year’s draft. During a talk with reporters on April 20, Kenny Dillingham opened up about the influence of the running back on the team.
Dillingham said that Skattebo will always have a place called home in the program.
“He broke the team down today. … because I said it was the last time that he’ll probably be here before he’s a professional athlete, and let’s break it down,” (TS-6:05 onwards)
“Because Skatte’s going to be around this program for a long, long time, you know, as you guys can probably tell. This community has really embraced him, and he’s embraced it.”
Kenny Dillingham and his team begin their 2025 campaign with a season opener against Northern Arizona. It will be interesting to see if the Sun Devils can defend their Big 12 title and once again qualify for a spot in the playoffs.
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Edited by Victor R. Lopez M.
