Sam Leavitt, Sun Devils lead conference with most preseason All-Big 12 selections

The Big 12's annual Football Media Days commence Tuesday morning, and we already know that they've discontinued their traditional preseason conference rankings after Arizona State was picked to finish last in 2024 but went on to claim the championship.

While there won't be any official poll, it's already clear where Arizona State sits in the Big 12 food chain entering their second season in the league: right at the top.

On Monday, in anticipation of the start of Football Media Days, the Big 12 released their preseason conference superlatives, including the preseason All-Big 12 teams, and the Sun Devils led all teams with five players selected.

It was no surprise to see quarterback Sam Leavitt and wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, both widely regarded as the best at their respective positions in the Big 12, make the list. Ben Coleman, who did not give up a single sack all of last year at left guard, also made the cut as he moves into the center role for the first time.

Defensively, the Sun Devils saw two very deserving players get recognized. CJ Fite was one of the conference's most disruptive interior defenders this past season, and figures to anchor a defense that played elite football down the stretch. Defensive back Xavion Alford also grew into an enforcer in the secondary.

There were a couple notable omissions, of course. Running back Kanye Udoh and wide receiver Jalen Moss both have a solid argument, but the fact that they both just transferred in from other programs makes it hard to project how they'll fit in Tempe. Linebacker Keyshaun Elliott and safety Myles Rowser may be two of the most underrated defenders in the sport based on their snubbing here.

One player that is certainly not being underrated, though, is Leavitt. Not only did he make the All-Big 12 team over several other talented arms, but the sophomore was named the conference's Preseason Offensive Player of the Year.

Just one year ago, everyone in the Big 12 was overlooking the Sun Devils. That's hardly the case now, with Kenny Dillingham getting the prime time slot among coaching interviews on Tuesday morning and Leavitt taking part in a panel later in the day alongside Commissioner Brett Yormark and others.

Be sure to follow along over the next two days for updates on everything coming out of Football Media Days.