A pulverizing defeat at the hands of the Utah Utes of 42-10 has dropped the Arizona State Sun Devils out of the Top 25. The loss was one of their most difficult performances of the season, and the team will now be experiencing significant injury issues as they enter their next match.
Sam Leavitt status remains uncertain
One of the most significant contributors to the loss was the fact that there was no sophomore quarterback, Sam Leavitt. He was downgraded on the day before the game to doubtful. Head coach Kenny Dillingham expressed that the progress of Leavitt would still be assessed throughout the week.
It is a weekly affair, as Dillingham explained. The staff will evaluate his condition on Sunday and Monday and make the relevant decisions about his availability by midweek. Although it’s a setback, Dillingham remains optimistic that Leavitt will return in time for Saturday’s game against Texas Tech.
The injury to Leavitt is not the only issue. Dillingham disclosed that two or three of its players were injured in the match against Utah and will be out of the game for a long period of time.
Such players are thought to be guard/center Ben Coleman, and the first two players in the safety position, Adrian “Boogie” Wilson and Myles “Ghost” Rowser. Wilson and Rowser could have gotten out of the field on foot, but evidence suggests that neither of them will be back in the near future.
Effects on the Lineup of Arizona State
Ben Coleman has long been regarded as the anchor and steady force of the offensive line. His loss may affect the Sun Devils' protection plans. Jimeto Obigbo is expected to start at left guard in Coleman’s place against a dominant Texas Tech defensive line.
The case is more complicated in the secondary. The safety unit is already strained with Wilson and Rowser injured, and Xavion Alford out of action for nearly a month. Players with depth, such as Jack Bal, might have more playing time, and coaches would want to think about a temporary solution involving moving cornerback Nyland Green to safety.
Arizona State’s Injury Struggles Continue
Defensive lineman Prince Dorbah acknowledged the team’s ongoing struggle with injuries. He also expressed that 2025 was significantly rougher than the prior year, when the team was relatively healthy, at least in terms of its players.
Arizona State has a test of character when a Texas Tech team ranked as the top-10 comes to Tempe. Coach Dillingham will give updates on Leavitt, Coleman, Wilson and Rowser, and Alford, among others, more in the next few days as the Sun Devils struggle to remain competitive in the face of increased adversity.