ASU Football Schedule: Sun Devils Slate & NFL Draft Buzz
Following the ASU football schedule isn’t just about tracking Saturday kickoffs anymore — it’s about scouting the next wave of NFL talent before the draft experts even start their boards. Arizona State has become a legitimate Big 12 contender under Kenny Dillingham, and their schedule each season doubles as a proving ground for prospects who’ll eventually show up in NFL mock drafts and training camp battles.
Whether you’re a die-hard Sun Devils fan planning your fall Saturdays or an NFL scout tracking college-to-pro pipelines, understanding how ASU’s schedule shapes up matters. This piece breaks down what makes the slate tick, which matchups carry NFL draft weight, and how to actually find the current schedule when it drops.
Why the ASU Football Schedule Matters Beyond Tempe
Arizona State’s move to the Big 12 changed everything about how people view this program. Gone are the days of Pac-12 sun-drenched afternoon games against familiar West Coast rivals. Now the Sun Devils travel through Texas, Kansas, Iowa, and Utah — conference road trips that test roster depth and expose which players can handle adversity, a trait every NFL scout wants to see on tape.
The 2023 Big 12 realignment sent shockwaves through college football, and ASU’s schedule reflects that shift with new conference rivals replacing decades-old Pac-12 matchups. According to ESPN’s college football database, the Sun Devils now face a rotating slate of Big 12 opponents that changes year to year based on conference scheduling formulas.
Home vs. Road Splits That Shape the Season
Mountain America Stadium in Tempe gives ASU a real home-field edge, especially in September and October before the desert heat breaks. Historically, the Sun Devils have posted stronger records at home than on the road — a trend that held true even during their 11-win campaign that ended with a College Football Playoff berth. Road games in cold-weather Big 12 territory, though, test a roster built for warm-weather football.
- Home games typically cluster in September and late November
- Midseason often brings the toughest road stretch, including trips to programs like Kansas State or BYU
- Rivalry week against Arizona remains a fixture regardless of conference realignment
Key Matchups on the ASU Football Schedule Worth Tracking
Every ASU schedule has a handful of games that separate a good season from a special one. The Territorial Cup against Arizona always headlines the docket — it’s one of the oldest rivalry games in the country, dating back to 1899, and it carries extra weight now with Big 12 standings on the line. The Sports Reference college football archive shows just how competitive this series has been over the decades, with momentum swinging back and forth almost every few seasons.
Beyond the rivalry game, Big 12 heavyweights like Kansas State, Utah, and Iowa State typically show up as measuring-stick contests. These are the games where NFL scouts pay closer attention — physical, playoff-atmosphere matchups tend to bring out the best (and worst) in draft-eligible players.
Non-Conference Games and Scheduling Strategy
ASU’s non-conference slate usually includes a mix of Group of Five opponents and one notable Power Four crossover game. These early-season matchups let Dillingham’s staff experiment with lineups, test true freshmen, and build depth charts before conference play gets serious. It’s also when NFL scouts start filling out their early-season notebooks on skill position players.
ASU Players Who’ve Turned College Snaps Into NFL Careers
Arizona State has produced a steady stream of NFL talent, and the current roster is no exception. Running back Cam Skattebo became a household name during ASU’s playoff run, showcasing the kind of contact-balance and vision that translates directly to Sunday football. His tape from Big 12 road games — the ones buried deep in the ASU football schedule — became essential viewing for scouts heading into draft season.
Historically, ASU has sent talent like Jaelen Strong, Terrell Suggs, and Pat Tillman to the NFL, each carrying the physical, hard-nosed style that Sun Devil football tends to breed. According to Pro Football Reference’s college database, ASU ranks among the more productive Pac-12/Big 12 programs for draft picks over the last two decades, particularly at defensive line and skill positions.
- Terrell Suggs — Hall of Fame-caliber pass rusher, Ravens legend
- Pat Tillman — Cardinals safety whose story transcends football
- Jaelen Strong — Productive receiver during his ASU tenure
- Cam Skattebo — Recent breakout back with legit NFL upside
Where to Find the Current ASU Football Schedule
Schedules shift due to TV broadcast requirements, conference realignment, and bowl scenarios, so the best move is checking official sources directly rather than relying on outdated screenshots floating around social media. The official Arizona State Athletics site updates kickoff times and TV networks as soon as they’re finalized, which usually happens roughly two weeks before each game once broadcast partners lock in windows.
Big 12 Conference scheduling also means some games get flexed for national broadcast slots, so times listed months in advance can and do change. Setting calendar alerts through the athletics department’s official channels beats guessing based on early-release schedules.
What to Watch For Each Season
Pay attention to how ASU’s schedule stacks conference road games. A brutal three-week road stretch against ranked Big 12 opponents can derail a promising season fast, while a favorable home slate down the stretch often fuels late-season pushes. Scouts and fans alike should watch for how the coaching staff manages depth during that stretch — it’s often where NFL-caliber talent separates itself from solid college contributors.
Between the Territorial Cup, Big 12 road tests, and a steady pipeline of NFL-bound talent, the ASU football schedule offers plenty to track for anyone serious about college football’s connection to the professional game.