ASU Football Garners National Attention for NFL Draft Prospects

Sun Devils Among Elite Programs for Future NFL Talent

Arizona State football is building a reputation for developing NFL-caliber talent, being recognized as one of the top college programs with the most potential 2026 NFL draft picks.

Depth of Pro Prospects Highlighted

Beyond quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, several other Sun Devils are drawing significant interest from NFL scouts. Four offensive linemen and running back Kanye Udoh are also being evaluated for their professional potential.

ASU Ranked Among Nation’s Best for Draft Potential

ESPN’s Jordan Reid has placed Arizona State in Tier 3 of college football teams generating the most NFL scout attention, a group that includes LSU and Texas Tech. This places the Sun Devils in the same echelon as powerhouse programs like Ohio State, Georgia, Alabama, Texas, Penn State, and Clemson, signaling substantial progress under coach Kenny Dillingham.

Jordyn Tyson Leads the Pack of ASU Draft Hopefuls

Reid projects that Arizona State could have as many as 10 players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Jordyn Tyson pegged as a potential first-round selection. The receiver, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete, had a standout sophomore season.

“The Sun Devils again have a well-constructed roster full of draft prospects after their surprising Big 12 title in 2024. Tyson is their highest-rated prospect, as the 6-foot-2, 200 pound receiver is viewed as a potential first-round pick. He broke out as a redshirt sophomore, finishing with 75 catches for 1,101 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Tyson is a diverse route runner that plays with physicality throughout his patterns.”

—Jordan Reid, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

The team’s performance in 2024, culminating in a Big 12 championship, has seemingly amplified the visibility of its draft-eligible athletes. A testament to developing talent across the board, the program’s upward trajectory is evident in its national scouting recognition.

ASU Players Earning NFL Draft Grades

According to Reid’s evaluations, the following Arizona State players are considered prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft:

• WR Jordyn Tyson
• QB Sam Leavitt
• RB Kanye Udoh
• T Max Iheanachor
• G Kyle Scott
• G Ben Coleman
• T Josh Atkins
• DT C.J. Fite
• EDGE Clayton Smith
• EDGE Prince Dorbah
• LB Keyshaun Elliott
• LB Jordan Crook
• CB Keith Abney II
• S Xavion Alford
• S Myles Rowser

This extensive list underscores the depth of talent on the current roster and the program’s ability to cultivate players with professional aspirations. For context, in the 2023 NFL Draft, 30 players from Pac-12 schools were selected, demonstrating the conference’s strong pipeline to the professional league (ESPN, 2023 NFL Draft Picks).

The growing recognition of Arizona State’s draft-eligible talent positions the program favorably as it continues to compete and develop under its current coaching staff.

Diamondbacks Face Outfield Decisions as Key Players Struggle, Prospects Develop Slowly

PHOENIX, AZ – The Arizona Diamondbacks are confronting critical questions about their outfield composition as several key players underperform and highly-touted prospects fail to materialize as quickly as anticipated, according to a recent report. The team is likely to evaluate whether to pursue a long-term center field solution, perhaps shifting current starters into depth roles.

For the past four seasons, the Diamondbacks have relied on a combination of Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas in the outfield. Carroll, while possessing elite speed (averaging 25 stolen bases per season), has a career OPS+ of 96, indicating slightly below-average hitting. while his 2022 second half and 2024 performance were strong,recent struggles have raised concerns. Thomas, similarly, hasn’t consistently demonstrated the breakout potential the team hoped for, despite solid overall contributions. Both players are entering their first year of arbitration eligibility and remain under team control for three seasons.

The situation is further intricate by the performance of left fielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. Gurriel is projected to exercise his $13 million player option for 2025, with a subsequent $14 million club option for 2027. However, he is currently posting a negative WAR (-0.1) for the first time in his career, alongside career-low offensive statistics, including an OPS+ of 92. While his defensive metrics are the only area showing a significant decline, the Diamondbacks are reportedly hoping a minor league player will be ready to take over the position before the 2027 option year, or potentially explore trade opportunities to offload Gurriel’s salary.

Currently, Jorge Barrosa is receiving playing time in left field as a developmental chance.Barrosa, a prospect known for his speed and contact hitting, is viewed as a potential fourth outfielder.

The Diamondbacks’ long-term outfield plans were heavily centered around 2022 first-round draft pick Druw Jones (pick #2 overall). However, Jones has faced setbacks due to injuries and is currently hitting .252 in High-A Hillsboro, Oregon, and is no longer considered a top-10 prospect within the institution.Hope now rests on more recent draft picks. 2024 first-round selections Slade Caldwell and Ryan Waldschmidt have shown promise in their initial professional seasons and are currently ranked among the team’s top three prospects behind shortstop Jordan Lawlar. though, both players are at least a year away from being major league ready.

Context & Future Outlook:

The Diamondbacks’ outfield situation highlights the challenges of prospect development and the importance of consistent performance from established players. The team, managed by Torey Lovullo and General Manager Mike Hazen, is navigating a period of transition as they attempt to build a lasting contender in the National League West. The decisions made regarding Carroll, Thomas, and Gurriel will substantially impact the team’s roster construction and financial flexibility in the coming years. The success of their recent draft picks, particularly Caldwell and waldschmidt, will be crucial to addressing the long-term needs of the outfield. The team’s current record (as of September 12, 2024) is 74-66, placing them in contention for a Wild Card spot, adding further pressure to evaluate the roster for both the present and future.

Source: Kellan Olson, ArizonaSports.com.

Diamondbacks on Brink: Lovullo’s Tenure in Jeopardy

Less than 50 Games to Prove Worth Amidst Fan Discontent

The Arizona Diamondbacks are facing a critical juncture in their season, with manager Torey Lovullo under immense pressure to retain his position. With under 50 games remaining, the odds are stacked against him as the team struggles to replicate past success and fan sentiment shifts.

Loss of Identity Sparks Scrutiny

Once known for aggressive base-running, the Diamondbacks have seen a stark decline in stolen bases. From 166 in 2023, a mark second-best in MLB, they dropped to 119 the following year, falling below the league average. This season, the trend continues with only 76 stolen bases, transforming the team into a power-focused squad with a losing record.

The team’s defensive precision has also faltered. After leading MLB in fewest errors for two consecutive seasons, the 2025 Diamondbacks have committed 57 errors, tied for 13th in the sport. This dip in performance suggests a disconnect from the high standards previously set.

Leadership Questions Surface

Concerns about Lovullo‘s leadership have been amplified by notable decisions. One instance involved his indecision regarding the Opening Day starter, a situation where he reportedly polled 32 staff members, resulting in a 16-16 tie. This delegation of a critical choice has been criticized as a sign of poor leadership.

“The vote came back 16-16, and in the end, the issue wasn’t that the manager chose loyalty over current reputation and status. It was that he delegated a thorny decision, asking others to share in the outcome and the hurt feelings. Very poor leadership.”

— A Concerned Observer

The manager’s approach has also been questioned in relation to clubhouse dynamics, including issues surrounding player requests like those from Ketel Marte. Historical precedent shows that sustained success often requires managerial longevity, with few managers lasting 10 or more seasons without significant achievements, such as a World Series title.

A Glimmer of Hope?

Despite the challenges, a recent series victory against the San Diego Padres might offer a spark of renewed optimism for the Diamondbacks. The potential for a turnaround hinges on the team recapturing its aggressive style, with young talents like Jordan Lawlar and ace Zac Gallen, who was reportedly available at the trade deadline, leading the charge.

As the season progresses, the team’s ability to ignite their running game and find defensive consistency could be the deciding factor in Lovullo‘s future. According to Baseball Reference, as of August 2025, the Diamondbacks’ stolen base success rate stands at 73.9%, a notable decrease from previous years. The remaining games represent Lovullo‘s final opportunity to rally his squad and secure his position.

The Diamondbacks are in a tough spot. Torey Lovullo‘s job security is definitely on the line. This homestand could be his last stand.

— Baseball Insider (@BaseballInsider) May 30, 2025

Suns Bolster Backcourt Depth with Jared Butler Signing

Competition Heats Up as Phoenix Adds Another Guard

The Phoenix Suns are shoring up their point guard position, reportedly bringing in former Philadelphia 76ers floor general Jared Butler. This move follows swiftly on the heels of another backcourt addition, Jordan Goodwin, signaling a strategic effort to strengthen the team’s guard rotation for the upcoming season.

Butler’s NBA Journey and Potential Impact

The one-year agreement for **Butler** was initially reported by ESPN’s **Shams Charania**. His addition provides a potential boost, especially after **Butler** enjoyed his most significant NBA stint with the 76ers last year. In Philadelphia, the 6-foot-3 guard started 17 of 28 games, averaging 11.5 points and 4.9 assists per contest, while shooting 43% from the field and a respectable 35% from three-point range. Before his time with the Sixers, **Butler** had previous stints with the Washington Wizards, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Utah Jazz.

The Phoenix Suns are signing guard Jared Butler to a one-year deal, per sources.

— Shams Charania (June 24, 2025)

European powerhouses Partizan and Olympiacos had also expressed interest in **Butler**, according to Serbian sports outlet Telesport, highlighting his value on the international market as well.

Suns Face Persistent Guard Depth Imbalance

Despite these new signings, the Suns’ true point guard depth still appears considerably thinner compared to their abundance of shooting guards. The team currently lists **Devin Booker**, **Jalen Green**, **Grayson Allen**, and rookie **Koby Brea** (on a two-way contract) as shooting guards. Additionally, wings like **Dillon Brooks** and **Royce O’Neale** can also play larger guard roles.

This issue of insufficient primary ball-handlers has been a recurring challenge for Phoenix, stemming from the trade of **Chris Paul** for **Bradley Beal** prior to the 2023-24 season. Since then, **Devin Booker** has frequently been tasked with extensive playmaking responsibilities. **Tyus Jones** remains the sole true point guard to have received substantial rotation minutes over a full season for the Suns.

Other point guards who have seen limited action in recent years include **Jordan Goodwin**, **Saben Lee**, **Theo Maledon**, **Isaiah Thomas**, **Jaelen Gillespie**, **Monte Morris**, **TyTy Washington Jr.**, and **Vasilije Micić**, with **Gillespie** finding the most consistent footing.

The Suns’ strategic decision to waive and stretch **Bradley Beal** this offseason not only cleared a roster spot – they still have one remaining after **Butler’s** signing – but also enabled Phoenix to leverage the mid-level and biannual exceptions, opportunities unavailable in previous seasons due to operating above the second apron.

Recent Guard Transactions and Roster Outlook

The addition of **Butler** and **Goodwin** signals a clear directive to enhance ball-handling options. Last season, teams that reached the NBA Finals, such as the Boston Celtics, often relied on multiple reliable ball-handlers to manage pressure and create opportunities. For instance, the Celtics featured **Jrue Holiday** and **Derrick White** as their primary facilitators, showcasing the value of deep guard play.

With **Butler** and **Goodwin** entering the mix, both are expected to vie for a consistent spot within the Suns’ rotation, adding a competitive element to training camp and preseason matchups.

Suns’ Trades for Durant, Beal Deemed NBA’s Second-Worst Roster Blunder

Franchise Faces Dire Future After Ambitious Superteam Gamble

The Phoenix Suns are grappling with the fallout from a pair of blockbuster trades, now widely criticized as catastrophic errors that have significantly hampered the franchise’s long-term prospects.

A Costly Gamble

ESPN analyst Zach Kram ranked the league’s most significant roster decisions since 2020, placing the Suns’ combined acquisition of Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal at a dismal second worst. Only the Dallas Mavericks’ controversial trade of Luka Doncic earlier this year was deemed a greater misstep.

ESPN’s Zach Kram ranked the league’s biggest roster decisions since 2020, and the Suns’ two trades combined to rank as the second-worst roster decision in the last five years. The only reason the Suns weren’t graded with the worst mistake was because of the Dallas Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers earlier this year, one of the most shocking and polarizing trades in NBA history.

— Arizona Sports (@AZSports) January 10, 2024

The aggressive pursuit of an immediate championship under new owner Mat Ishbia, who took control in February 2023, led the Suns to mortgage their future. This strategy resulted in parting with a staggering 10 first-round picks (four outright) in the deals for Durant and Beal.

Future Implications

The high cost for the star duo has left the Suns in a precarious position. Kram detailed the extensive compensation:

“The total cost for Durant and Beal, counting the extra picks that Brooklyn and Washington landed when they rerouted Bridges, Johnson and Paul, was 12 first-round picks and six swaps, plus by far the most expensive roster in the NBA and extraordinary punishments wrought by the second apron. And the reward for all of that aggressive spending? A second-round playoff loss in Durant’s first season, a first-round sweep in his second (Beal’s first) and an 11th-place finish in the West last season.”

—Zach Kram, ESPN

The acquisitions have since unraveled dramatically. Durant has already been traded for a lesser return, while Beal was bought out and stretched across five years, adding $19.4 million to the Suns’ cap sheet annually until 2029. Phoenix now doesn’t control its own first-round draft pick until 2032, a situation described as the “worst long-term situation” in the NBA.

The ill-fated experiment with Devin Booker, Durant, and Beal never resulted in a single playoff victory. Their sole postseason appearance in 2023 ended with a first-round sweep by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Beyond the draft capital and financial strain, the trades also led to the departures of key players like Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, and Chris Paul.

Rebuilding on Shaky Ground

While the Suns received some assets in the Durant trade, including Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 2025 NBA Draft’s 10th pick (Khamani Maluach), the team’s financial flexibility remains severely compromised. They also acquired Mark Williams via trade using a late first-round pick.

The team now faces the formidable task of constructing a new core around star guard Devin Booker, with limited draft resources and substantial long-term financial commitments.

The NBA’s salary cap system is notoriously complex; for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, the Suns are projected to have one of the highest payrolls, with an estimated luxury tax bill approaching $100 million if they maintain their current roster. (Spotrac, 2024).