Big 12 championship rematch looms for the Sun Devils

At the start of the season, this matchup was met with a high amount of intrigue as a rematch of the 2024 Big 12 championship game.

It's safe to say that this season has not gone the way that either team was hoping. Both teams are entering with a 5-3 overall record; Arizona State losers of two of their last three and dealing with the just announced loss of Sam Leavitt, while Iowa State has lost their last three games in conference after starting with a 5-0 record.

Now heading in to this weekend's tilt with bowl eligibility on the line for both sides, this game will answer the following questions: Can Arizona State compete without Leavitt at quarterback, and can Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht regain his form?

The heir apparent to Gilbert Perry product Brock Purdy after the Hunter Dekkers gambling probe, Becht has seen a bit of a slump in 2025 compared to his excellent redshirt sophomore season in 2024. He threw a career-high three interceptions last week at home against BYU, one of those returned for a touchdown that put the game out of reach at 41-27. Don't let that lull you into a false sense of security, Becht possesses excellent mechanics and a quick release which makes him lethal in the short passing game. His mobility, while not on display as much this season, makes him a threat in the RPO plays as well.

Becht's favorite target by volume has been tight end Benjamin Brahmer. After losing 1,000 yard receivers Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins to the NFL Draft, Brahmer was expected to be a key piece to the Cyclones' passing game. So far all he's done is lead the team with 29 receptions, tie for the team lead with 3 touchdown catches, and is second with 317 receiving yards. At 6'7", he has the look of an NFL-ready tight end with athleticism to make catches over defensive backs.

Brett Eskildsen and Chase Sowell present a complementary wide receiver room, combining for 679 receiving yards on 37 catches with 4 touchdowns. Out of the backfield, Abu Sama III and Carson Hansen bring a dynamic 1-2 punch for the Cyclones, combining for 1,044 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns.

Defensively, Iowa State is led by linebacker and captain Caleb Bacon. The heart and soul of not just the defense but the entire team, Bacon has returned after missing the entire 2024 season and picked up right where he left off in 2023, currently tied for second on the team with 42 tackles. He and fellow linebackers Kooper Ebel and Carson Willich will center the core of the defense that may be without Will McLaughlin due to injury.

Iowa State's secondary has been hit particularly hard this season, losing Khijohnn Cummings-Coleman, Jeremiah Cooper, and Jontez Williams to season-ending injuries. Marcus Neal has played well in their absence, registering a team-leading 54 tackles so far this season. Jamison Patton and Tre Bell are the ball hawkers of the secondary with a combined three interceptions, but this weakened secondary will be the opportunity for backup Jeff Sims to exploit if the Sun Devils hope to get back to their winning ways.

Arizona State and Iowa State will kick off from Jack Trice Stadium at 10am on Saturday on TNT.