ASU's Dillingham Aims to Reinvigorate Culture with New Roster

Head coach Kenny Dillingham looks to build on past success with influx of transfers and freshmen

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:44am

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Arizona State football is undergoing a major roster overhaul this offseason, with over 40 new additions to the team. Head coach Kenny Dillingham is focused on reinvigorating the program's culture and mindset rather than just results on the field during spring practices. Dillingham plans to adjust practice structure to improve efficiency and emphasize team-first mentality over individual performance. The Sun Devils have also made several coaching staff changes, including promoting Bryan Carrington to assistant head coach and pass game coordinator.

Why it matters

ASU is looking to build on its 8-5 2025 campaign and return to the upper echelon of the Big 12 conference. Dillingham's ability to quickly integrate a large group of new players into the program's established culture will be crucial to the team's success in 2026 and beyond. The coaching staff changes also signal Dillingham's commitment to evolving the program and maximizing its potential.

The details

Arizona State's roster will feature over 40 new players this season, with the majority being transfers and freshmen replacing departing seniors. Dillingham plans to adjust practice structure, reducing period lengths to improve efficiency. The focus will be on developing the right mindset and team-first mentality rather than just technical skills. Dillingham has also promoted Bryan Carrington to assistant head coach and pass game coordinator, while making other defensive and special teams staff changes.

  • Spring practices begin on Thursday, March 20, 2026.
  • The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The players

Kenny Dillingham

The head coach of the Arizona State football team who is looking to reinvigorate the program's culture with a large influx of new players.

Bryan Carrington

The new assistant head coach and pass game coordinator for Arizona State, previously serving as the team's cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator.

C.J. Fite

A rising senior defensive tackle who has been a member of the Pat Tillman Leadership Council for the past two seasons and will serve as the team's primary captain this year.

Cutter Boley

A sophomore transfer quarterback from Kentucky who is the likely favorite to be ASU's starting QB in 2026 after throwing for 2,160 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2025.

Jake Fette

A four-star freshman quarterback from El Paso who is part of ASU's deep quarterback room along with the two transfer additions.

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What they’re saying

“What's more important, technique or mindset? Every coach is going to tell you mindset.”

— Kenny Dillingham, Head Coach

“Our guys are going to play really hard. The brand of football you're going to get. There's not a random element to that, I would say. So I think that piece is established. We're going to play a fun style of football.”

— Kenny Dillingham, Head Coach

“I thought we brought in some good guys. We had Cam [Dyer] on the roster, and then we brought in three guys I feel really good about as well. So I'm excited for the competition.”

— Kenny Dillingham, Head Coach

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Dillingham is focused on building a strong team culture and mindset with ASU's influx of new players, rather than just worrying about on-field results. By promoting key staff members and emphasizing team-first values, he aims to sustain the program's recent success and take it to new heights in the competitive Big 12 landscape.