Arizona State finds a new kicker in the transfer portal

One of the biggest needs for Arizona State has been filled, as Eastern Michigan kicker Jesus Gomez has decided to transfer to Tempe.

The Sun Devils struggled at the kicker spot all year long, using three different kickers at various points. Kenny Dillingham even held open tryouts for the position during the bye week, but nothing came of it.

Gomez will now join the Sun Devils in 2025 as the frontrunner to be the starting kicker. The Eastern Michigan product comes highly decorated and is a big get for Arizona State.

Gomez was one of the top kickers in the nation this season. Among kickers with 25+ field goal attempts, he was fifth in conversion rate. Gomez also won three conference special teams weekly awards throughout the year, which included hitting several game winners and also setting a program record for longest field goal, making one from 57 yards out.

The kicker doesn't have the strongest leg, hitting on just two of his four attempts from beyond 50 yards this year, but he's been consistent from just about every other distance. That's one thing the Sun Devils lacked this year: consistency in the kicking game. As a team, they made just 52.9% of all field goal attempts and also missed two extra points throughout the year.

Gomez also comes to Arizona State with an inspiring personal story. Born in Puebla, Mexico, Gomez trained for much of his life to become a kicker in American football. Eastern Michigan represented his only opportunity to do so in college, and so he ventured far away from home to pursue his dream. Now, Gomez will be much closer to home with a chance to kick for the reigning Big 12 champions.