State of the Sun Devils: who’s likely to start for ASU football this season?

If you’ve been following Arizona State football this summer, you know the big question isn’t just how good the Sun Devils can be — it’s who’s actually going to be on the field when the season kicks off. Around Tempe, that’s the kind of conversation that starts up everywhere from coffee shops near campus to backyard watch parties across the Valley.

The short version: ASU is still working through its starting lineup, and that’s not unusual this time of year. Fall camp is where coaches sort out the depth chart, players make their case, and a few jobs stay open until the last possible moment. For Sun Devils fans, that means there’s still some mystery, but also a chance for new faces to step into bigger roles.

What stands out most is that the competition is real. The staff is evaluating who can handle the pressure, who can execute consistently, and who gives the team the best chance to start fast. That matters in a season where every early game can shape the tone for what comes next.

At quarterback, the most watched spot on the field, the battle for the starting job is naturally getting the most attention. That’s the position that can change the feel of the whole offense, and ASU is making sure it gets the decision right rather than rushing to a headline. Whoever wins that job will need to show command, poise, and the ability to move the offense when things get tight.

The same goes for the rest of the offense. The Sun Devils are trying to build chemistry up front and find the right mix of playmakers who can turn routine snaps into momentum. In Tempe, fans know that a strong offensive line can make everything else look better, and that’s especially true in the heat of an Arizona season when depth starts to matter.

On defense, the focus is just as important. ASU needs players who can tackle cleanly, stay disciplined, and make life uncomfortable for opposing offenses. The starting spots there will likely come down to consistency and trust. Coaches want defenders who can line up correctly, communicate well, and avoid the kind of mistakes that turn into easy yards.

Special teams also can’t be overlooked. In college football, one hidden-yardage play can swing a game, and the Sun Devils know that field position matters. Whether it’s kicking, punting, or return work, those roles often end up being the difference in close games.

For local fans, the bigger picture is what makes this interesting. ASU football has always been part of the Valley’s fall rhythm. When the Sun Devils are rolling, it changes the mood around Tempe and beyond. The conversations get louder, the tailgates get busier, and the whole metro area feels a little more plugged in.

That’s why the starting lineup matters so much. It’s not just about names on a depth chart. It’s about identity. It’s about which players the coaches trust to set the tone, and which group can turn preseason questions into real results once the games count.

There’s still time for things to shift before the opener, and that’s part of the fun. A strong camp performance can move a player up fast, while a rough stretch can open the door for someone else. For ASU, the next few weeks are about sorting through that competition and settling on the group that can best represent the program.

So if you’re looking for a clean answer on who will start for the Sun Devils this season, the honest one is that the picture is still coming into focus. But that uncertainty also means the roster is alive with opportunity — and in college football, that’s usually where the most interesting stories begin.

For now, Tempe is watching, the Valley is waiting, and ASU is still deciding who will take the first snaps when the season gets underway.