Arizona State Produces Another Wave of NFL Draft Prospects

Four Sun Devils projected to be selected in the first two rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:48am

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A cubist-style painting depicting fragmented, geometric shapes and planes representing Arizona State football players in action, conveying the program's multifaceted success in developing diverse NFL prospects.Arizona State's pipeline of NFL talent highlights the program's rapid rise under coach Kenny Dillingham.Tempe Today

With less than two weeks until the 2026 NFL Draft, the Arizona State Sun Devils are poised to have at least four players selected in the first two rounds. The program's rapid rise under head coach Kenny Dillingham has produced a new generation of NFL-ready talent, including wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, cornerback Keith Abney II, offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, and linebacker Keyshaun Elliott.

Why it matters

Arizona State's success in developing NFL-caliber players highlights the program's transformation under Dillingham's leadership. The Sun Devils' ability to identify and cultivate talent, particularly at key positions like wide receiver, offensive line, and linebacker, has made them an increasingly attractive destination for top recruits and solidified their status as a pipeline to the professional ranks.

The details

Jordyn Tyson, a transfer from Colorado, emerged as a star wide receiver under the tutelage of coach Hines Ward, earning All-Big 12 honors in 2024. Keith Abney II, a three-star recruit, blossomed into a shutdown cornerback thanks to exceptional coaching and his own tireless work ethic. Offensive tackle Max Iheanachor, a former soccer player from Nigeria, quickly developed into a dominant blocker under the guidance of coach Saga Tuitele. Linebacker Keyshaun Elliott, a two-star recruit out of New Mexico State, transformed into an all-around playmaker under the leadership of coach A.J. Cooper.

  • Less than two weeks remain until the 2026 NFL Draft.
  • Tyson, Abney, Iheanachor, and Elliott are all projected to be selected in the first two rounds.

The players

Jordyn Tyson

A wide receiver who began his career at Colorado before transferring to Arizona State, where he emerged as a star under the tutelage of coach Hines Ward.

Keith Abney II

A cornerback who was a three-star recruit, but blossomed into a shutdown defender thanks to exceptional coaching and his own hard work.

Max Iheanachor

An offensive tackle who transitioned from playing soccer to football, and quickly developed into a dominant blocker under the guidance of coach Saga Tuitele.

Keyshaun Elliott

A linebacker who started his career at New Mexico State before transferring to Arizona State, where he transformed into an all-around playmaker under the leadership of coach A.J. Cooper.

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What they’re saying

“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 ability to identify and develop NFL-caliber talent, particularly at key positions, has made the program an increasingly attractive destination for top recruits and solidified its status as a pipeline to the professional ranks. The Sun Devils' success in this area is a testament to the program's transformation under coach Dillingham's leadership.