When the Arizona State Sun Devils take the field on Sept. 5 against Morgan State, there will be many unfamiliar faces. The team graduated many starters and key reserves, while others headed to the greener pastures of the NFL. And yes, some opted to hit the transfer portal.
In 2025, the Sun Devils were solid on defense, finishing 31st of 134 FBS schools in rushing defense (124 ypg), 51st in passing defense, 65th in scoring defense (24.4 ppg), 17th in tackles for a loss and 23rd in sacks.
The team's depth has already taken a hit with three players lost for the season due to injury. They are tackle My'Keil Gardner, linebacker Zyrus Fiaseu and corner Nigel Pringle. Gardner and Fiaseu were likely key contributors.
Here's a look at position groups on defense and special teams.
Defensive line
Position coach: Diron Reynolds (third year).
Key losses: Justin Wodtly, Elijah O'Neal, Jacob Kongaika, Prince Dorbah.
Returners: C.J. Fite (Sr., 6-2, 310), Clayton Smith (5th, 6-4, 260), Ramar Williams (R-So., 6-3, 260), Roman Pitre (R-Sr., 6-5, 265), Albert Smith (R-So., 6-1, 232), Zac Swanson (R-Sr., 6-5, 295), Blazen Lono-Wong (R-Sr., 6-4, 290), Salesi Manu (R-So., 6-3, 240), Rashad McKenzie (R-Sr., 6-5, 315), Daeshon Morgan (R-Fr., '6-3, 295), Joshua Shanklin (R-So., 6-3, 250), Douglass Teloma (R-Sr., 6-5, 380),
Key additions:Jalen Thompson (Sr., 6-3, 265, Michigan State), Emar'rion Winston (R-Sr., 6-35, 265, Baylor), Landen Anderson (Fr., 6-3, 315, Santa Fe HS, Edmond, Okla.), Julian Hugo (Fr., 6-4, 275, Steele HS, Texas), Jeffrey Manns (Jr., 6-2, 310, Hutchinson CC), Hyrum Vaeono (So., 6-2, 305, Butler CC), Kirt Vakalahi (Jr., 6-6, 275, Queensland, Australia).
X-factor: Swanson. He sustained a serious ankle injury during spring practice of 2025 and played in just two games that season. With Gardner being out for the season, the Sun Devils need Swanson to play a significant role.
Things to know: C.J. Fite's return looms large. He was projected as a second-day NFL Draft pick, but chose to come back and better his stock. His return is key — not just from a performance perspective. He is also one of the team's most respected leaders. Teloma is a converted offensive lineman.
Linebackers
Position coach: A.J. Cooper (fourth year).
Key losses: Keyshaun Elliott (NFL, Bears), Jordan Crook, Tate Romney (Oklahoma State).
Returners: Martell Hughes (Jr., 6-2, 230), Isaiah Iosefa (So., 6-0, 230), Prayer Young-Blackgoat (R-So., 6-3, 235), Tristan Bacon (R-Fr., 6-1, 235), Puka Fuimaono (R-Fr., 6-1, 230).
Key additions:Owen Long (Jr., 6-1, 225, Colorado State), Oscar Aguilar (Fr., 6-1, 225, Downey HS, Calif.), Ramere Davis (R-Fr., 6-1, 220, Northern Arizona), Mason Marden (Fr., 6-3, 230, Ladue Horton Watkins HS, St. Louis).
X-factor: Young-Blackgoat or Bacon. Fiaseu was the most veteran player in the group, so his loss is big. He was probably the No. 3 linebacker behind Long and Hughes. Bacon, a local out of Kellis, looks like perhaps the most improved player in the group, and Young-Blackgoat could move into a prominent role for the first time. One of these needs to emerge to make up for the loss of Fiaseu.
Things to know: Long, who led the nation in tackles in 2025, is one of the best finds of this transfer portal class. He looks capable of stepping right in where Elliott left off. Hughes looks poised for a breakout season.
Secondary
Position coach: Demetrice Martin (first year).
Key losses: Keith Abney (NFL, Lions), Javan Robinson (Wisconsin), Xavion Alford, Nyland Green, Kyndrich Breedlove, Myles "Ghost" Rowser.
Returners: Montana Warren (R-Jr., 6-0, 205), Adrian "Boogie" Wilson (R-Jr., 6-0, 215), Kyan McDonald (Jr., 5-11, 185), Rodney Bimage (R-So., 6-0, 185), Joseph Smith (So., 6-1,180), Ben Alefaio-Lili (Jr., 6-0, 205), Plas Johnson (R-So., 6-0, 165), Xavier Skowron (R-Fr., 6-0, 195).
Key additions: Jessiah McGrew (So., 6-2, 200, Florida International), Ashton Stamps (R-So., 6-0, 190, LSU), Lyrik Rawls (5th, 6-0, 210, Kansas), Antoine Belgrave-Shorter (R-So., 6-0, 200, Penn State), Davis Kinney (Fr., 5-11, 185, Fort Bend Travis HS, Tex.), Caleb Chester (R-Fr., 6-1, 180, Texas), DaQuwan Dunn (Fr., 6-0, 180, Berkner HS Tex.), Zeth Thues (Fr., 5-11, 200, Liberty HS), Jalen Williams (Fr., 5-11, 180, Kell HS, Ga.), Nasir Stephens (Jr., 5-11, 185, Cerritos CC, Calif.).
X-factor: Bimage played well as an understudy, but with the Sun Devils losing the entire back end of the defense, he's going to have a major role for the first time.
Things to know: Wilson was a revelation last season, stepping into the safety spot when Alford went down and doing an admirable job. He had offseason shoulder surgery to remedy an ailment he played through. Dunn and McGrew had stellar camps and are pushing for significant playing time.
Special teams
Position coach: Jack Nudo (first year).
Key losses: K Jesus Gomez.
Returners: P Kanyon Floyd (Jr., 6-0, 185), LS Tyler Wigglesworth (R-Sr., 5-10, 215), Carston Kieffer (R-Jr., 5-9, 175).
Key additions: K Carson Smith (5th, 5-11, 180, Austin Peay), P Nick McLarty (R-So., 6-7, 245, Ohio State), LS Grayson Curtis (R-Sr., 6-0, 220, Central Michigan).
X-factor: Smith. The Sun Devils won some games on the leg of Gomez last season, including back-to-back wins against Baylor and TCU. Given the subpar kicking in previous years, it was apparent how important that facet of the game has become. Smith was 14-for-17 on field goal attempts last season, with a long of 50 yards, four yards shorter than the best by Gomez.
Things to know: There has been a renewed emphasis here, with Dillingham bringing in additional help in former NFL punter Mike Scifres, who will be aiding Nudo with the specialists. The kicking and punting positions had battles throughout camp. Smith has a bit more range than Kieffer when it comes to field goal attempts.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Roster turnover has ASU football players looking to prove themselves