Arizona, Arizona State Navigate Big 12 Transition with Roster Overhaul

Arizona faces challenges in the 2025-26 season with only 38.6% of its scoring returning, losing significant contributors to the transfer portal and integrating new players including a key Harvard transfer, Evan Nelson. The Wildcats' recent struggles, including a drop from a 10-3 record in 2023 to 4-8 in 2024, have been compounded by coaching changes and high roster turnover, leading to skepticism among Big 12 coaches about their prospects. Conversely, Arizona State is entering the 2025 season with optimism, returning most of its starters and backups, including key offensive players and a strong defense, positioning them as favorites in the conference. Athletic Director Graham Rossini's first year has seen the Sun Devils emerge as a strong overall athletic program within the Big 12, with football, basketball, baseball, women's hoops, and hockey all showing promise. The Sun Devils' basketball team, under Bobby Hurley, will face a tough 18-game conference schedule but aims to improve on their previous 4-16 record, despite a nearly rebuilt roster. Meanwhile, Arizona State football, led by Kenny Dillingham, is expected to maintain its strong performance with most starters returning and a favorable schedule, fueling high expectations among fans.