Kenny Dillingham was a part of Big 12 coaches meetings in a different standing than he did last year.
The Sun Devils were eventually picked dead last in the preseason conference rankings only to shock the world and win the conference.
It’s a new perspective for ASU, and one that Dillingham may not prefer.
While @KennyDillingham was at Big 12 meetings in Orlando, he was asked about ASU being viewed as a contender after being picked 16th in the conference last summer.
“To me, it’s more uncomfortable. I’d much rather be an underdog, much rather be somebody people count out.” pic.twitter.com/3w1bG67jJW
The Sun Devils won’t sneak up on anyone this year, and Dillingham points to the quality of the conference – and its coaches – that make it a tough task to repeat as Big 12 champions.
Another big piece of news from recent weeks was when the College Football Playoff committee moved to a “straight seeding” process instead of putting more value on conference championships.
ASU nabbed a No. 4 seed in last year’s field after winning the Big 12. Had that been the case last season, Arizona State would have been the No. 11 seed, which means no bye and they would have gone on the road to Ohio State.
Despite that situation hurting the Sun Devils last year, Dillingham is in favor of the decision:
There’s still plenty to sift through this offseason, and Sports360AZ will be there along the way as the Sun Devils gear up for the 2025 season.
Jordan Hamm
