Five Arizona State Sun Devils Oklahoma State fans should know
If you’re an Oklahoma State fan already circling the 2026 matchup with Arizona State, you probably don’t need a full scouting report to know this won’t be a casual trip to the desert. Tempe has a way of making college football feel bigger, louder, and a little more intense, especially when the Sun Devils are rolling into a game with something to prove.
The good news for Cowboys fans is that there’s time to get familiar with the names that could matter most. Arizona State has been building around a mix of experienced playmakers and rising talent, and a few of those guys are the kind of players who can change the feel of a game in a hurry.
Here are five Sun Devils Oklahoma State fans should have on the radar.
1. Sam Leavitt, quarterback
Every big matchup starts with the quarterback, and Leavitt is the obvious name to know. He’s the kind of player who can make a defense work for every stop, whether that means extending plays, finding a receiver late, or keeping drives alive with his legs.
For Oklahoma State, that means the defensive front and secondary will need to stay disciplined. If Leavitt gets comfortable early, Arizona State can turn a game into a track meet before anyone realizes it.
2. Jordyn Tyson, wide receiver
Tyson is the sort of receiver who can make a quarterback look even better. He gives Arizona State a target who can win in space, separate on the outside, and create problems after the catch.
That matters in a game like this because one explosive play can flip momentum fast. If Oklahoma State is going to slow down the Sun Devils, Tyson is one of the names that has to be accounted for on every snap.
3. Cameron Skattebo, running back
Arizona State’s offense has leaned on physicality at times, and Skattebo fits that identity. He brings a downhill style that can wear on a defense, especially if the Sun Devils are able to stay balanced and keep the chains moving.
For the Cowboys, that means tackling will matter just as much as scheme. A back like Skattebo can turn a routine run into a drive-sustaining play if defenders don’t wrap up cleanly.
4. Xavion Alford, defensive back
On the other side of the ball, Alford is the kind of defender who can make life uncomfortable for an opposing passing game. In a matchup where Oklahoma State may want to test the secondary, having a playmaker back there can change the risk-reward equation.
A defensive back who can read routes, close quickly, and make a timely play is always worth watching. If Arizona State’s defense is making stops, players like Alford are often part of the reason.
5. Clayton Smith, edge rusher
Games between Power Four programs often come down to who can create pressure without giving up big plays. Smith is one of the Arizona State defenders who could make that happen.
If he’s winning off the edge, Oklahoma State’s offense may have to adjust protections and get the ball out faster. That kind of pressure can shrink the playbook and force mistakes, which is exactly what a home crowd in Tempe loves to see.
Why these names matter in Tempe
Arizona State is one of those programs that can feel especially dangerous when the pieces line up. The Sun Devils have the kind of talent that can make a matchup look manageable on paper and then turn it into a long afternoon once the game starts.
For Oklahoma State fans, knowing these five names is a good place to start. Leavitt and Tyson can drive the offense, Skattebo can keep it balanced, and Alford and Smith can help Arizona State make life difficult on defense. That’s a pretty solid recipe for a game that could swing on a handful of plays.
And if you’re making the trip to the Valley, you already know the setting will add to it. Tempe football nights have their own energy, with the desert heat, the campus buzz, and the kind of atmosphere that makes every possession feel a little bigger.
So before 2026 gets here, keep these Sun Devils in mind. They’re the names most likely to shape how that matchup looks when Oklahoma State comes calling.
