Spring Preview: Defense and Special Teams

The Sun Devils' defense and special teams are replacing all but one starter in each unit, so the learning curve could be in full effect.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 2:28pm

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The Arizona State Sun Devils' defense and special teams are undergoing significant changes this offseason, with the team replacing all but one starter in each unit. The defensive line, linebacker corps, and secondary will feature a mix of returning veterans and new faces, while the special teams units have also seen major roster turnover. Despite the challenges, the Sun Devils are optimistic about the potential of their revamped defense and special teams.

Why it matters

With the departure of several key starters on defense and special teams, Arizona State faces a steep learning curve heading into the 2026 season. However, the influx of new talent, both through the transfer portal and high school recruiting, provides the Sun Devils with an opportunity to reload and potentially improve upon their performance from the previous year. The development of this young, inexperienced group will be crucial to the team's success in the upcoming campaign.

The details

On the defensive line, the Sun Devils return veteran standout C.J. Fite, who will be counted on to lead the unit. Blazen Lono-Wong and Zac Swanson are expected to join Fite in the starting lineup, while players like MyKeil Gardner and Ramar Williams will compete for increased playing time. The edge rusher position was hit hard by departures, but the return of Clayton Smith provides a major boost. ASU also added transfers Jalen Thompson and Emar'rion Winston to bolster the edge rush. At linebacker, Zyrus Fiaseu and Martell Hughes are expected to be key contributors, while the addition of Colorado State transfer Owen Long, the FBS leader in tackles in 2025, should provide a significant boost to the unit. Ramere Davis and Prayer Young-Blackgoat will also compete for playing time. In the secondary, Rodney Bimage and Joseph Smith are the top returning cornerbacks, but the Sun Devils have added several talented transfers, including Caleb Chester, Nigel Pringle, Chance Rucker, and Ashton Stamps, who could all push for starting roles. At safety, Montana Warren and Boogie Wilson return, while Kansas transfer Lyrik Rawls is expected to step in as the starting free safety. On special teams, the Sun Devils have brought in several new faces, including kicker Carson Smith from Austin Peay and punter Nick McLarty from Ohio State, to help improve the units that struggled at times in 2025.

  • The Sun Devils' defense and special teams are replacing all but one starter in each unit heading into the 2026 season.

The players

C.J. Fite

A veteran defensive lineman who was a Second-Team All-Big 12 selection as a sophomore in 2024. He will be counted on to lead the defensive line in his senior season.

Blazen Lono-Wong

A returning reserve defensive lineman who had a career-high 16 tackles in 2025 and is expected to step into a starting role.

Zac Swanson

A defensive lineman who transferred to ASU from Texas prior to the 2024 season and is poised to take on a larger role in 2026.

Clayton Smith

A veteran edge rusher who was granted an extra year of eligibility and will be a key piece of the Sun Devils' pass rush in 2026 after recording 13.0 sacks over the past three seasons.

Owen Long

A transfer from Colorado State who led the FBS in total tackles (151) and tackles per game (12.6) in 2025, earning First-Team All-Mountain West honors.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

Arizona State's defense and special teams face significant turnover heading into the 2026 season, but the influx of new talent, both through the transfer portal and high school recruiting, provides the Sun Devils with an opportunity to reload and potentially improve upon their performance from the previous year. The development of this young, inexperienced group will be crucial to the team's success in the upcoming campaign.