Arizona State's Defense Undergoes Major Overhaul for 2026 Season

Only one Week One defensive starter from last season remains in Tempe, but the Sun Devils are optimistic about their revamped unit.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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The 2025 Arizona State defense is undergoing a significant roster overhaul, with only one Week 1 starter returning from last season's squad. However, the Sun Devils remain enthusiastic about their prospects for the upcoming 2026 campaign. Key returnees include senior defensive lineman C.J. Fite, who decided to come back to Tempe after considering the NFL Draft, as well as rising junior safety Adrian "Boogie" Wilson and sophomore cornerback Rodney Bimage Jr., who are primed to take on larger leadership roles in the secondary. Arizona State has also bolstered its linebacker corps with the addition of Colorado State transfer Owen Long, who led the FBS in total tackles last season.

Why it matters

Arizona State's defensive transformation comes after the team's 8-4 campaign in 2025, which marked a step back from their Big 12 Championship season the year prior. The Sun Devils are hoping that an influx of new talent and emerging leaders can help revive their defensive unit and put them back in contention for conference title contention.

The details

Senior defensive lineman C.J. Fite, who was part of the Pat Tillman Leadership Council, will anchor the Sun Devils' defensive front after opting to return to school rather than enter the 2026 NFL Draft. In the secondary, rising juniors Adrian "Boogie" Wilson and Rodney Bimage Jr. are primed to take on larger roles after gaining valuable experience in 2025. The Sun Devils have also added Colorado State transfer Owen Long, who led the FBS in total tackles last season, to bolster their linebacker corps.

  • Fite struggled with the NFL Draft process and took a week off to clear his mind before deciding to return to Arizona State.
  • Wilson filled in admirably for the injured Xavion Alford last season, finishing fourth on the team in tackles and pass breakups.
  • Bimage appeared in just seven games in 2025 after suffering an injury, but is looking to prove himself and earn All-American honors in 2026.

The players

C.J. Fite

A senior defensive lineman who was part of the Pat Tillman Leadership Council and decided to return to Arizona State after considering entering the 2026 NFL Draft.

Adrian "Boogie" Wilson

A rising junior safety who filled in admirably for the injured Xavion Alford last season, finishing fourth on the team in tackles and pass breakups.

Rodney Bimage Jr.

A rising sophomore cornerback who is looking to prove himself and earn All-American honors in 2026 after appearing in just seven games last season due to injury.

Owen Long

A junior linebacker transfer from Colorado State who led the FBS in total tackles last season and will look to bring that production to the Sun Devils' defense.

Lyrik Rawls

A fifth-year defensive back who has experience playing in the Big 12 Conference, having spent time at Oklahoma State and Kansas before transferring to Arizona State.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like the best decision for me and my future was to come back. After having those conversations with God, spending time with God and building our relationship, I feel like it led me to come back … when I decided to come back, I knew what I was going to do. I was going to be a Sun Devil.”

— C.J. Fite, Defensive Lineman (on3.com)

“I think for one is becoming more of a leader and then for two just learning every position on the field. So I can better my game and know the situations, know people I'm in with, know their strong suits, and know what they're also weak at, and so just maximizing the day.”

— Adrian "Boogie" Wilson, Safety (on3.com)

“I want to get to be all-American and just prove myself. Prove to people I am who I think I am.”

— Rodney Bimage Jr., Cornerback (on3.com)

“At the end of the day, football is football. So the skills that got me to where I was at and the things that I kind of pound my chest for being a good player, like those are the skills I got to bring with me. The competition changes a little bit, but at the end of the day, it's still ball.”

— Owen Long, Linebacker (on3.com)

“It's just been a whole wraparound for me. Just to like be playing on these opposing teams and now being a part of them and seeing like how their lifestyle is, and I'm just like thankful for the experience.”

— Lyrik Rawls, Defensive Back (on3.com)

What’s next

The Sun Devils will look to integrate their new defensive pieces during spring practice and summer workouts as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Arizona State's defensive overhaul highlights the importance of developing young talent and bringing in experienced transfers to bolster a unit that underperformed in 2025. If the Sun Devils can successfully blend their veteran leadership with their influx of new playmakers, they could be poised for a bounce-back season and a return to Big 12 contention.