5 players Arizona State needs to go after in the transfer portal

In a world where the transfer portal is increasingly being used by more athletes, a strong portal recruiting class is necessary. Arizona State head coach Willie Bloomquist has had success in attracting top players from the transfer portal.

Last season’s additions featured middle infielders Matt King and Kyle Walker, along with right-hander Lucas Kelly. In the past, Bloomquist brought in lefty pitcher Ben Jacobs, infielder Luke Keaschall, outfielder Nick McLain, among others.

This season, ASU has a high roster turnover, with the majority of its offense leaving along with its top two pitching starters. The bullpen, which appears to stay mostly intact, was the Sun Devils’ weak point last season. The Sun Devils will need to get as many quality players as they can. Here are five players that the team could land. (Note: players are listed in alphabetical order)

Jude Favela, rising sophomore right-handed pitcher, Southern California

Jude Favela is an excellent arm with high potential. Favela had a 2.14 ERA in his freshman year, only allowing runs in three of his 17 appearances. He had a 1.333 WHIP and did not allow a single home run in his freshman year.

If Cole Carlon becomes a starter (which is fairly likely), Favela could be his perfect replacement. Regardless, Favela will be an arm that will move the Sun Devil bullpen to a new level under pitching coach Jeremy Accardo.

Chris Hacopian, rising junior shortstop, Maryland

Chris Hacopian is one of the top names in the portal, and for a good reason. The two-time all-Big 10 second team shortstop has excelled in a Terrapins uniform with a .347 average with a 1.097 OPS and over 100 runs scored and runs batted in, in his two years there. Hacopian was selected for many national all-freshman teams. 

Hacopian could be a great replacement for the graduating Matt King, and he would likely not have any competition at shortstop as rising junior Jax Ryan reportedly entered the portal on Tuesday. He would also be a much-needed power bat as the Sun Devils’ potential top returning bats, like Landon Hairston, are contact hitters.

Davion Hickson, rising senior right-handed pitcher, Rice

Davion Hickson is a good arm that could help the Sun Devils’ pitching staff significantly. Hickson started 11 games last season, which was highlighted by a complete game shutout against Charlotte. Hickson was selected to the All-AAC second team in 2025. He posted a 3.71 ERA and a 1.290 WHIP with two seasons at Rice and one at Florida State.

If Hickson were to come to Arizona State, that would make two consecutive years the Sun Devils have recruited a player from Rice, as Manny Garza joined the team last season. The righty could slot into a starting role for ASU. 

Aiden Robbins, rising junior outfielder, Seton Hall

Aiden Robbins is a great contact hitter who ranked sixth nationally in average and fifth in on-base percentage in the 2025 season, as he was selected to the all-BIG EAST team. Robbins had a .378 average with a 1.084 OPS as a Pirate, and he scored 55 times in the ‘25 season.

The outfielder spent all of his sophomore season patrolling right field while making no errors, which would make him a good replacement for Kien Vu, who will likely be drafted. Like Vu, Robbins is a threat on the basepaths as he had 16 swipes in the 2025 season.

Cooper Walls, rising sophomore right-handed pitcher, Hawai’i

Cooper Walls is a solid starting pitcher who could help the ASU arms. Walls started 13 games last season for the Rainbow Warriors. He posted a 3.73 ERA and a 1.39 WHIP.

Walls could help fill the shoes of Ben Jacobs and Jack Martinez, who are both expected to be drafted. He only allowed two home runs on the season, which is good since the ball travels far in Phoenix Municipal Stadium. 

The expectations are high for what names Bloomquist can pull out of the transfer portal. The Sun Devils have not landed any names yet, but they have a commitment from Colby Guy, a right-handed starter from UNC Asheville who won the 2025 Big South preseason pitcher of the year. Guy has yet to sign with the team.