Arizona State senior linebacker Caleb McCullough has been witness to the program’s struggles and the cloud of an NCAA investigation, but he believed in coach Kenny Dillingham’s vision for a better future. That future has arrived sooner than expected as the Sun Devils have transformed into one of college football’s biggest surprises.
Despite being picked to finish last in the Big 12, Arizona State now controls its destiny for a spot in the conference title game with an 8-2 record. The Sun Devils have already secured their first bowl berth since 2021 and are ranked 21st in the AP Top 25. They have defeated two ranked teams this season and have a chance to clinch a spot in the Big 12 Championship with a win over BYU and rival Arizona.
Coach Dillingham faced adversity upon his arrival in 2023, inheriting a program under investigation that had suffered back-to-back 3-9 seasons. Despite the challenges, Dillingham was able to find success through the transfer portal, bringing in key players like Cam Skattebo and Sam Leavitt. Skattebo has been a standout running back and Leavitt has been a perfect fit for the team’s offense.
Dillingham’s ability to navigate through tough times and build a competitive team has been instrumental in Arizona State’s success. The team’s unexpected rise to prominence has put them in a position to potentially make a run at the College Football Playoff.
Dillingham’s vision for a better future has come to fruition, proving that with perseverance and determination, even the most challenging situations can lead to success.
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Photo credit arizonasports.com
