All articles tagged with #arizona state
West Virginia, the No. 2 seed and ninth-ranked team, defeated Arizona State 7-3 in Surprise to advance to the Big 12 Championship game against Kansas. Sean Smith had three hits, Brodie Kresser drove in two runs, Chansen Cole worked five innings, Reese Bassinger earned the win, and Dawson Montesa recorded the save as WVU pursues its first tournament title since 1996.
Detroit drafted Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II with the first of two fifth-round picks, adding a versatile two-year starter with 21 passes defended and five interceptions, who allowed just 44.4% completions on 60+ targets in 2025 and projects as a flexible back-end defender who can play inside or outside, potentially earning the Lions’ nickel corner spot.
Chicago selected Arizona State linebacker Keyshaun Elliott with the 166th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, acquiring him in a trade with the Panthers. The 6-foot-2, 231-pound defender appeared in 52 college games (25 at ASU, 27 at New Mexico State), totaling 301 tackles, 18 tackles for loss and nine sacks; his senior season led ASU with 98 tackles, 14.0 TFL and seven sacks, earning second-team All-Big 12 honors. Elliott contributed on all phases in high school as a multi-position player.
Detroit selected Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney II with the 157th overall pick in the 5th round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Abney, a 5-10, 187-pound back who posted pro day times (40-yard dash 4.45, short shuttle 4.38, 3-cone 6.91) and earned an 86.3 overall Pro Football Focus grade last season, is projected as a physical cover man who could swing inside to Detroit’s nickel spot, supported by a positive assessment from Lions media and Twentyman's notes on his football IQ and energy.
Detroit selected Arizona State cornerback Keith Abney with the 157th overall pick, adding a 6'0", 190-pound defender who projects as a nickel and brings a productive two-year stretch (21 passes defended, five interceptions) plus First Team All-Big 12 in 2025. Abney impressed at the combine and could provide depth at corner and nickel for Detroit as it continues to bolster its defense on Day 3, following earlier picks Blake Miller, Derrick Moore, and Jimmy Rolder; four picks remain and the Lions have multiple defensive and offensive needs to address.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Iheanachor is a raw, high-upside tackle with ideal size and athleticism who could develop into a starting bookend for Pittsburgh, though he isn’t expected to contribute immediately. The Nigeria-born former JUCO standout brings a unique path and impressive Senior Bowl performance, but his technique and run blocking need refinement as he transitions to pro play and potential early roles at left guard or left tackle.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick of the first round in the 2026 NFL Draft. Iheanachor started 31 of 32 games at ASU, did not allow a sack in his senior season, earned All-Big 12 Second Team honors in 2025, and brings a JUCO background from East Los Angeles College. He expressed excitement to join a young Steelers offensive line and compete, with coach Mike McCarthy praising his work ethic and potential.
Arizona State WR Jordyn Tyson boosted his draft stock with a private workout attended by about 20 NFL teams, showcasing twitch, explosiveness and leaping ability while healthy, despite a hamstring issue that limited on-field testing; he previously posted 61 catches for 711 yards and eight TDs in nine games and could hear his name in the top 10 of next week’s draft.
Eighteen NFL teams are set to attend wide receiver Jordyn Tyson’s Friday workout at Arizona State as he shows he's healthy after hamstring injuries, aiming to bolster his draft stock ahead of next week’s NFL draft; Tyson wore All-Big 12 first team honors with 61 receptions, 711 yards and eight TDs in his final season, after missing the combine/Pro Day due to injury.
Arizona State is set to hire Saint Mary’s coach Randy Bennett and Cincinnati is hiring Utah State’s Jerrod Calhoun as the Big 12 adds three new coaches for 2026-27, joining Kansas State’s Casey Alexander; Bennett, a Mesa native, went 589-228 in 25 seasons at Saint Mary’s, while Calhoun is 297-159 and led Utah State to NCAA appearances.
Arizona State is set to hire St. Mary’s longtime coach Randy Bennett to replace Bobby Hurley after his contract expired. Bennett, a Mesa native with 25 seasons at St. Mary’s, transformed the Gaels into a frequent NCAA Tournament team, posting a 589-228 overall mark, four WCC titles, 12 NCAA appearances and a 2010 Sweet Sixteen run, while Hurley’s tenure at ASU ended following an 11-year run that included the 2023 NCAA Tournament appearance.
Arizona State University will not extend Bobby Hurley's contract, ending an 11-season era in which he went 185-167 and became the program's second-winningest coach, with the school thanking him for his leadership.
Kentucky is actively pursuing Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is currently visiting Lexington and has met with the coaching staff, amid interest from several other major programs. Leavitt, a former four-star recruit, helped Arizona State reach the 2024 College Football Playoff and is entering the transfer portal with two years of eligibility remaining.
Kentucky is interested in transferring quarterback Sam Leavitt from Arizona State, who is also considering other schools like Oregon and LSU. Arizona State is favored to land transfer Cutter Boley from Kentucky, who would likely start in Tempe after Jeff Sims' eligibility ends. Leavitt, a top transfer portal quarterback, has two years remaining and is exploring options, with Kentucky showing interest under new head coach Will Stein.
Arizona State's football coach Kenny Dillingham remains committed to the program amid ongoing speculation about a potential move to Michigan, with the university working to meet his needs for success and stability, highlighting the program's recent progress and the changing landscape of college sports.