TEMPE- Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham told reporters on Monday that redshirt senior defensive back Xavion Alford will miss the remainder of the season due to injury.
He also said that edge rusher Prince Dorbah and linebacker Tate Romney are listed as available for Saturday's home game against West Virginia.
"[Xavien Alford], unfortunately, is going to be out for the year," Dillingham said. "I mean, we were trying to get him back, but that's a kid who's been a staple of this program since we got here as a staff. He's one of the heartbeats of the program, so it just pains me that he's not gonna be able to make it back. But I'll update that more and get more specific on that later.
"But yeah, it sucks for him. But, he's a great kid, great competitor. Whoever chooses that they want him part of their team at the next level is going to get a guy that they're very, very happy with.
Throughout this season, Alford appeared in just two games for the Sun Devils and hasn't appeared in a game for the team since Sept. 6 against Mississippi State.
Last season, he appeared in 14 games for Arizona State, recorded two interceptions and a total of 85 tackles, and was named a finalist for Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. Alford's contributions on the defensive end were crucial for the team, and they have missed it dearly this season.
When a reporter asked if Alford had finished his time as a Sun Devil and would declare for the 2026 NFL Draft, Dillingham emphasized his value to Arizona State's defense.
"I don't want to speak on behalf of him," Dillingham said. "I mean, he's earned the right to be able to speak for himself there. It's just unfortunate. I mean, that's a dude who's one of the leaders of our team, an absolute captain, an absolute warrior. Just absolutely unfortunate for him to come back and pretty much be out all year. I mean, that's just, it pains me to even talk about."
Throughout the season, the Sun Devils faced adversities from playing a tough schedule to dealing with season-ending injuries, such as losing junior quarterback Sam Leavitt for the rest of the season.
Arizona State is still in contention to advance to the Big 12 Championship game, but this year's path is more challenging than last year's.
With three games left and some assistance needed from other teams in the Big 12 Conference over the next three weeks, could the team miraculously secure a spot in the championship?