ASU's Jason Brown Jr. Shines in Sun Bowl Performance

Redshirt freshman running back makes the most of his opportunity, setting the stage for a bigger role in 2026

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Arizona State redshirt freshman running back Jason Brown Jr. made the most of his limited playing time in 2025, exploding for 134 rushing yards and 14 receiving yards in the Sun Bowl against Duke. Despite being buried on the depth chart behind a talented group of running backs, Brown remained patient and confident, and his breakout performance has him poised to compete for a starting role in 2026.

Why it matters

Brown's Sun Bowl performance showcased his potential and provided a glimpse of what he can bring to Arizona State's backfield going forward. With several key running backs departing, Brown has an opportunity to establish himself as a featured back for the Sun Devils in 2026.

The details

Brown, a 5'9", 185-pound running back, had just seven carries across two games before the Sun Bowl. However, he made the most of his 13 carries against Duke, racking up 134 rushing yards and 14 receiving yards. Despite limited playing time in 2025 due to a talented backfield, Brown remained confident and patient, believing in the coaching staff's belief in him. With Raleek Brown and Kanye Udoh transferring, the door is open for Jason Brown Jr. to compete for a starting role in 2026.

  • Jason Brown Jr. had just seven carries across two games before the Sun Bowl on December 31, 2025.
  • In the Sun Bowl, Brown finished with 134 rushing yards and 14 receiving yards.

The players

Jason Brown Jr.

A 5'9", 185-pound redshirt freshman running back for Arizona State University who had a breakout performance in the 2025 Sun Bowl.

Cam Skattebo

A former senior running back for Arizona State who broke multiple school records in 2024, including 1,711 rushing yards and 2,316 scrimmage yards.

Raleek Brown

A junior running back for Arizona State in 2025 who led the Big 12 in all-purpose yards per game and was second in the league in rushing yards.

Kanye Udoh

A junior running back for Arizona State in 2025 who shared carries in the Sun Devils' backfield.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like, of course, a good or solid performance boosts your confidence a little bit, but like I said, confidence is really built within. The work and the community around you, and I feel like this community has bled into me every day, so every day I step onto the field, I'm more confident.”

— Jason Brown Jr., Redshirt Freshman Running Back (on3.com)

“The coaching staff believes in me regardless of what the season was looking like at that time. Just keeping my head in it, staying motivated, wanting to win games for this football team, wanting to be a part of this community and this family, and give them everything I have. When it comes to stepping up and embracing a role, I wanna embrace that role as much as I can and perform to the best of my ability.”

— Jason Brown Jr., Redshirt Freshman Running Back (on3.com)

What’s next

With several key running backs departing Arizona State, Jason Brown Jr. will have the opportunity to compete for a starting role during spring practices in March 2026.

The takeaway

Jason Brown Jr.'s breakout performance in the Sun Bowl showed that he has the talent and determination to be a featured back for the Arizona State Sun Devils. Despite limited playing time in 2025, he remained patient and confident, and now has a chance to establish himself as a leader in the Sun Devils' backfield in 2026.