Arizona State gets great news from their starting offensive lineman

The Sun Devils have been basking in the glow of their huge win over the BYU Cougars this past Saturday, and they earned yet another reason to celebrate on Monday night. Ben Coleman, the starting left guard for Arizona State this year, announced he will be returning to Tempe next year.

Coleman, a California native, originally played his college ball for the Golden Bears, where he gained experience at both left tackle and left guard. Coleman transferred to Arizona State last year, as part of Kenny Dillingham's first transfer class as head coach. Coleman was on track to earn the starting left guard spot, but he suffered a season ending injury in spring practices.

That injury led to Coleman earning an extra year of eligibility, giving him the option to play through the 2025 season if he so desired. However, Coleman has been playing so well this year, and Arizona State has gained so much national attention, that it was entirely plausible he might declare for the draft or even seek to enter the transfer portal again.

Coleman's decision to return is huge news for this program and their offensive line, which has been a big reason for their offensive success this year. Coleman currently has the highest grade of any Sun Devil offensive lineman according to Pro Football Focus, and his 89.2 pass blocking grade ranks seventh in the nation.

Coleman's four pressures allowed on the season is the best among the starters in Tempe, and has him tied with reserve Kyle Scott despite playing nearly twice as many snaps on the year. Coleman also has yet to give up a sack on the season.

As the Sun Devil football program marches toward a potential date with the Big 12 championship game, and a chance at a playoff berth, the news that a cornerstone of their offensive line will return is massive news. Not only is it good for next year's team, but it's emblematic of the buy-in that players have with Dillingham's regime. Players opting to stay instead of pursuing the NFL or bolting for an NIL deal elsewhere is welcome news, as is the thought of Coleman bulldozing opposing defenders for another season.