With the regular season wrapped up and the Big 12 title game rapidly approaching, the focus for No. 15 Arizona State has been on their impending battle with No. 16 Iowa State. But on Thursday, they got some special attention when the conference put out its list of conference honors.
In Arizona State's first year in the Big 12, they led the conference with most first and second team honorees. That's not entirely surprising considering they finished with the top record in the Big 12, but it's still a validating recognition to receive.
Sun Devils that were named to the All-Big 12 first team include running back Cam Skattebo, wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, center Leif Fautanu, and safety Xavion Alford.
On the All-Big 12 second team, the Sun Devils landed spots for quarterback Sam Leavitt, tight end Chamon Metayer, defensive tackle CJ Fite, and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott.
Beyond that, Arizona State also saw three players receive an honorable mention: left guard Ben Coleman, linebacker Caleb McCullough, and safety Myles Rowser.
The Sun Devils also received several end-of-year superlatives. Leavitt was named the Offensive Freshman of the Year. Tyson was named Offensive Newcomer of the Year.
In a bit of an upset, Skattebo - one of the nation's top rushers and a Heisman candidate - was not awarded the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year despite winning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week five times this season, more than any other player. Instead, the honor went to Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
Despite that snub, this is still a nice moment for Arizona State after having just one player on the first or second team Pac 12 list last year. It's a testament to how good the Sun Devils have rebounded this year.